Dispute Emerged Over Installation Of Fencing Gates Between Villagers And BSF In Karimpur

A part of the recently fenced stretch of Indo-Bangladesh border in Kuthipara area of Sikarpur in Nadia

Karimpur: A dispute has emerged between the Border Security Force (BSF) and residents of Sikarpur gram panchayat in Karimpur-II block, Nadia, over the installation of gates in the fencing being erected along a stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Villagers have demanded the inclusion of at least three gates to access the Mathabhanga River, which lies beyond the alignment of the proposed single-row fencing (SRF). The river is crucial for their daily needs, such as bathing, agricultural activities, washing, and cultural rituals, including the immersion of deities and cremations after festivals.

The BSF recently commenced work on a previously unfenced 1.5-kilometer stretch along the river. However, locals attempted to halt the project, urging authorities to accommodate their demands for gates. The villagers stressed that while they understand the necessity of border security, the fencing without gates would disrupt their daily lives.

Apurba Ghosh, a resident of the area, explained, “The Mathabhanga River serves as the physical border and has become an essential part of our lives. Due to the ongoing water crisis, most residents rely on the river for basic needs like bathing and washing. This need is shared by all three villages adjacent to the proposed fencing. We have no objection to the fencing as we understand its importance for security, but we appeal for gates so that our access to the river is not blocked.”

BSF sources revealed that the work, delayed due to discussions with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) over land acquisition and alignment issues, resumed recently, with the angle iron installation already completed. However, trouble arose on Friday when villagers from Kuthipara raised concerns about the lack of gates, temporarily halting the work. The BSF resumed construction after promising to forward the villagers’ demand to higher authorities, leaving gaps in the fencing to accommodate gates if approved.

Villagers remain steadfast in their demands, stating that they plan to approach the Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs if necessary. One local alleged, “If the barbed wire fencing is installed without gates, we will lose access to the Mathabhanga River and the crematorium on its banks.”

Typically, fencing is erected 150 meters inside the zero line (the actual border), with gates provided at certain points to allow farmers to access agricultural land during specified hours under BSF surveillance. Farmers are required to submit their identity cards for access and return within the designated timeframe. However, BSF sources pointed out that the alignment in Sikarpur, where the river flows less than 150 meters from the border, is highly vulnerable, making it challenging to install gates.

Tapas Mondal, chief of the Karimpur-I Panchayat Samiti, expressed optimism, stating, “The BSF authorities promised us gates. We are hopeful they will approve them for the convenience of the people.”

Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, spokesperson and DIG of the BSF South Bengal Frontier, said, “The stretch in Sikarpur is challenging as the river flows very close to the alignment, leaving less than 150 meters for normal double-row fencing. We have been compelled to install single-row fencing here. However, considering the villagers’ convenience, providing gates is under consideration as an exception, subject to protocol.”

Last week, a similar issue arose in Sukdebpur, where the BGB raised objections. On Saturday, over a hundred Indian villagers gathered near an unfenced stretch of the border, alleging that Bangladeshi miscreants were trespassing into their agricultural lands and looting harvest-ready crops. The fencing work resumed despite these concerns.

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