Bangladesh Rifles promises BSF action against insurgents

New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) Thursday said that Bangladesh has promised action against insurgents operating from its territory against India.

"We have handed over a list of insurgents likely to be in Bangladesh. I am confident of cooperation of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)," BSF Director General Raman Srivastava told reporters here after meeting BDR chief Mainul Islam.

Srivastava said that BDR was trying to ascertain the presence of insurgents in Bangladesh territory. "We raised our concerns and made them clear. We have got a very positive response," Srivastava added.

Mainul Islam said Bangladesh territory would not be allowed to be used for terrorist activities against any country.

The BSF and the BDR Thursday signed a joint record of discussion at the talks that started Sunday at the BSF headquarters here.

Srivastava said: "We had an extremely fruitful, cordial and illuminating discussion with the BDR. We shared each other's concerns and the BDR's response was very cordial. We share a border of over 4,000 km with Bangladesh. All measures will be taken to ensure that no innocent person is killed at the border."

The two directors-general emphasised that after the India visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in January, a new era of bilateral relations and co-operation has begun between the two countries.

They said that the talks between them were just a step to take forward the their leaders' agreements, and a range of issues was  discussed. This included smuggling, illegal migration, insurgents and criminals' movements across the border.

Srivastava said they had taken strong action against personnel who had crossed the border or were found involved in violence.

"In the future too, disciplinary action would be taken in case any personnel is found at fault," he said.

The fencing of the border is in progress but a large part is yet to be covered, he said.

"Floodlighting of certain areas is also taking place. BDR has been extremely co-operative," he added.

Mainul Islam said that besides the DG-level talks, they would encourage talks between their lower level officers at the border.