Considering the increasing security threats along the border and rising problem of cross-border infiltration the Border Security Forces have decided to set up seven floating outposts in the complex backwaters of Sunderbans.
The BSF which has its outermost post at Shamshernagar in the Sunderbans almost at the mouth of Bay of Bengal will set up more such floating outposts to man the 157 km stretch covered by dense mangrove forest notoriously infested by tigers in the swampy lands and crocodiles in the rivers and creeks.
This area is mostly preferred by the cross-border criminals including the terror moles. These outposts are likely to be completed within six months and will feature cutting-edge surveillance systems along with increased patrolling along the Sunderbans boondocks.
The BSF’s decision follows reports of Bangladesh-based terror groups like Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, Ansarulla Bangla planning to infiltrate into India with active logistical support provided by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed. This, more so in the wake of open threats issued by Bangladesh fundamentalist leaders to send suicide attackers to Kolkata.
“Like we have about 500 km of land still unfenced we also have these unnegotiable mangrove forests intermittently cut off by tidal creeks and massive rivers some resembling seas, this makes it easier for the infiltrators to take this route to India, which is why the demographic pattern has changed in both North and South 24 Parganas, the BSF is doing a commendable job and will bear fruit soon,†said a retired DIG of the security Force.
Meanwhile, the Bengal Police arrested an arms smuggler named Hablu Sheikh, from Jalangi area of Murshidabad. A resident of the district he allegedly trying to smuggle firearms into Bangladesh.
According to sources, seven firearms, 13 magazines and 10 cartridges were recovered from the accused.
