Shillong, March 2: The BSF on Friday claimed that the firing incident at Shella resulting in the death of a villager was in send defence.
Full text of the statement below
HEADQUARTERS MEGHALAYA FRONTIER BSF SHILLONG
// PRESS RELEASE //
(प्रेस विज्ञप्ति)
Dated 02/03/2024
*BSF COUNTERPOISE MISCREANT’S ATTACK ON INDO-BANGLADESH BORDER*
Acting on specific information regarding the smuggling of a large quantity of sugar and onions, a special operation was launched by BSF troops in the night of 01st March 2024 in the general area of 110 Bn’s border outpost. The BSF party observed miscreants carrying smuggling goods towards Bangladesh very close to the International Border. Simultaneously, a large number of Bangladeshi miscreants became active on the Bangladesh side to receive the smuggling consignment.
The BSF party challenged the miscreants to stop but they adamantly refused to comply and kept on advancing. The situation was aggravated when more miscreants encircled the BSF personnel and pelted stones on them. Despite warnings and use of non-lethal weapons to disperse the mob, the miscreants persisted on their aggressive behavior and attacked BSF personnel with iron machetes (Dahs) and Sticks (Lathies) and pelted stones, resulting in injuries of three BSF personnel, of which one was injured severely on right eye and had to shifted to Shillong. In spite of repeated warnings the miscreants did not deter and kept on approaching aggressively towards BSF party with the intention to cause bodily injury to BSF party and also tried to snatch their weapons. Sensing the dire circumstances and acute threat one shot was fired in air to disperse the miscreants but they did not get fazed by the fire. Thereafter sensing the aggressive demeanor, second round was fired as a result of which miscreants of both sides dispersed. Later on, it was learnt that one Smuggler had died in the incident and another BD Smuggler had sustained injuries.
The general area is being frequently exploited by smugglers to smuggle cattle heads, Sugar, Onion, liquor and other contraband items to Bangladesh and many smuggling syndicates are active in the area who try to derail peace in the border area just for their own vested interest. The matter is under investigation and preventive measures would be taken accordingly.
Sd/—- PRO BSF Meghalaya
