Chiefs of the BSF (Border Security Forces) and the Bangladesh Rifles agreed to ensure that no innocent civilian is killed on the border in firing by personnel.
Several cases of firing have been reported on the Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya during the last month in which citizens were caught in the cross-fire.
“We have agreed to ensure that no innocent civilian is shot by the troops. We have no reason to fire at innocent civilians,” BSF Director General Raman Srivastava said after signing a Joint Record of Discussions with Director General of BDR Major General Mainul Islam.
He said only “criminals” who violate the curfew imposed on the border at night need to be restricted.
Both the chiefs agreed to ensure that the spirit of joint communique signed between the Prime Ministers of both countries should percolate down to the troops at ground to prevent such incidents.
“The will of our political leaders should be disseminated to the ground and for that we have sat down and discussed all the differences,” Islam said.
On the issue of firing on the border, the BDR chief said, “We should not be upset with such issues (firing). It is very common on the India-Bangladesh border. Our concern is killing of innocent people. Both of us have to do something about it. We have discussed these issues.”
