Bangladeshis clash with BSF near border, attempt to snatch arms

A violent clash erupted on Tuesday at Pillar No. 47 near Maguruli Gram Panchayat in Kailashahar, Unakoti District, Tripura, involving Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Bangladeshi villagers. The altercation occurred during an attempt to prevent smuggling of bidi (local cigarettes) across the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Two BSF jawans on patrol intercepted a group of smugglers attempting to transport bidi from India into Bangladesh. Despite warnings to stop, the smugglers continued their activities. In response, the jawans pursued the group, reportedly crossing into a Bangladeshi village while in pursuit. The BSF personnel later returned to Indian territory after failing to apprehend the smugglers.

Upon their return, a group of Bangladeshi villagers confronted the BSF personnel. The villagers, armed with sharp tools, reportedly tried to snatch weapons from the jawans and attacked them. Bangladeshi Border Guard (BGB) personnel present at the site intervened during the altercation, attempting to de-escalate the situation.

Villagers alleged that the BSF jawans fired shots inside Bangladeshi territory and misbehaved with women. The situation intensified further with verbal abuses and religious slurs reportedly directed at the BSF personnel. BSF reinforcements arrived at the scene, leading to the dispersal of the Bangladeshi villagers.

The border area remains tense, with increased surveillance and monitoring by both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities. No official injuries or casualties have been reported, and discussions between the security forces of both nations are expected to address the situation and prevent further incidents.