Pratyusha Mukherjee reports from Ground Zero (Indo – Bangladesh border)
The largest land Port in South Asia, Petrapole is located along the international border between India and Bangladesh, at a distance of about 80 kms from the city of Kolkata.
Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh) is an important land border between the two countries both in terms of trade and passenger movement.
Nearly 30 percent of land-based trade between India and Bangladesh takes place through Land Port Petrapole.
When we all are concerned about the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh ,NE India Broadcast too closely observed that the Border Security Force has adopted advanced technology to improve border security. At the Jayantipur Border outpost, several advanced surveillance tools and technologies, such as intruder alarms for any suspicious movement and highly sofisticated cameras, are being used to monitor illegal activities along the international border. The location, known as the Electronic Surveillance Vulnerable Passage (ESVP), is considered highly sensitive. Cameras installed at key zones provide live footage to a centralized control room for real-time monitoring.
Speaking to the media, the DIG PRO, BSF, South Bengal Frontier Nilotpal Kr. Pandey briefed that the ” BSF is a dedicated force who are protecting India’s international borders with Bangladesh. Our jawans and officers know very well about their duty and are carrying it out diligently and very efficiently.We understand our responsibilities and remain committed to perform it.”
I also talked to local people there.”We are very happy.BSF is keeping us safe”.- a lady, Sutapa Sardar said with a happy heart.
“BSF is helping us to be educated,
providing medical facilities when needed and always encourage us to be a better person”..a first year BA student, Mala told smilingly.
“BSF also motivates us to do sports, gives us sports items and we have full faith in them”.
A young college student, Sikander described.”
To maintain peace and tranquility, the BSF is using non-lethal weapons like Pump Action Guns (PAG) instead of lethal arms, ensuring a balanced approach to security, N.K.Pandey further added.
For Improving the infrastructure to stop smuggling,the BSF has constructed a 20-feet-long barrier to tackle smuggling and unauthorized crossings along the unfenced locations. A joint inspection by the BSF and the BGB arranged recently resulted in acquiring five acres of land to ensure further security measures. The area has already been demarcated, and work on smart fencing and single-row fencing is expected to begin within a month or two.
To maintain peace and harmony amongst the communities a great initiative has been taken by the BSF by providing safe passage for Bangladeshi Hindus to visit a temple located near the border.
This commendable initiative will surely help in sustaining mutual respect and religious understanding.
Local villagers from Indian side also noticed a positive change and transformation at the Jayantipur border area.Where Illegal infiltration was a big concern a few years back, increased vigilance and technological upgrades have now made the area safe.
Jayantipur border in North 24 Parganas remains safe, secure and undisturbed , feels DIG, PRO, BSF, South Bengal Frontier Nilotpal Kr. Pandey.
The Sonai river separates the two countries under the jurisdiction of the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier and BGB.With the BSF’s efforts and advanced pre cautionary measures, the area remains free from any disturbances.
BSF’s area of operation include border guarding and security, prevention of trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the India side, prevention of smuggling or any other illegal activities on the border, anti-infiltration duties etc.
At present, the BSF is the second-largest paramilitary force in India with 193 battalions, air wing, water wing, and artillery regiments. The force is headed by a senior IPS officer of Director General level.
(Ms.Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.She is associated with us as Editorial head of Defence and Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
