Seven killed in BSF-BDR firing in Indo-Bangla border

Guwahati, Aug 10 (UNI) Seven persons, including five Bangladeshi jawans, were killed as the BSF and BDR exchanged fire for more than 10 hours since last night in the Cachar region over land encroachment.

According to latest report, there have been no firing since noon but uneasy calm descended down the bordering areas as more than 3000 people took shelter in the three relief camps opened by the district authorities.

The BSF confirmed death of two civilians on the Indian side and 5 BDR jawans on Bangladesh side.

''There are also unconfirmed reports from the fleeing villagers that another 20 civilians inside Bangladesh, who tried to grab land, were also killed in the heavy firing undertaken by us,'' a BSF source said.

Sources said one Madrassa and a mosque inside the Bangladesh side were completely destroyed.

The firing started at 2215 hours last night, the BSF source said.

He, however, did not confirm which side began the firing.

Sources said as the BSF patrol party spotted the Bangladeshi villagers inside the encroached land, they were fired upon and immediately firing started from both sides.

The BDR opened up a front firing on three outposts of Hazrinagar, Kimmokla and Tokargram.

Top BSF official IGP SK Datta said, ''More than 70 shells were fired in Bangladesh and India. But tension have increased since India began fencing its 4,000km (2,500 mile) border to stop illegal immigrants and cross-border insurgents.'' The two countries have had several border skirmishes in recent months.

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