Tensions are growing along the India-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar as locals from both sides engage in construction work near the border. Recently, Indian villagers, supervised by the Border Security Force (BSF), have begun building a fence to safeguard their crops, especially tobacco, close to the Tin Bigha Corridor in Mekhliganj.

The fencing work has sparked direct clashes with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which is trying to stop the Indians from building the fence.

The BSF has reported a rise in illegal construction activities by Bangladeshi citizens and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel within a restricted 150-yard zone near the international border. Bilateral agreements between the two countries protect this zone. The BSF issued a statement today confirming that it has successfully stopped several unauthorised construction attempts in recent days.

On Friday, the BGB tried to build a sentry post bunker within this restricted 150-yard area at Dahgram Angarpota. However, after the BSF raised strong objections, the BGB was forced to stop the construction work.

In another incident, another case of unauthorised construction was found in Phulkadabari, Mekhliganj, where Bangladeshi nationals were attempting to build a house within the restricted 150-yard zone. The BSF intervened, leading the BGB to stop the construction.

Similarly, last week, Bangladeshi nationals tried to build two illegal houses in the Jhikabari area of Kuchlibari, Cooch Behar, also within the 150-yard border zone. The BSF raised strong objections, which led to the BGB stepping in and halting the construction.

The BSF has raised concerns about the growing number of illegal constructions on the Bangladeshi side of the border. While Indian villagers have been putting up fences to protect their farmland, they have faced opposition from the BGB, leading to tense confrontations.

Meanwhile, the BSF continues to enforce strict surveillance to prevent the creation of unauthorised structures and curb smuggling along the border. The force has emphasised that although Bangladeshis persist in trying to build illegal structures, the BSF remains alert and will take firm actions to ensure border security and adherence to international agreements.

With tensions rising, the situation along the Indo-Bangladesh border remains unstable, with both sides closely watching the developments in the area.