Assam: Cross border firing in Cachar sector

Guwhati, Sept 15: Heavy cross border firing between Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Border Security forces (BFS) was reported from Karimganj sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border last night.

BSF sources said here today that BDR personnel opened unprovoked fire from Uttarkul border outpost in Jakiganj border of Sellet sector of Bangladesh at 8.10 PM to which the BSF retalited. The firing continued till 9.50 PM, they said.

The BDR personnel, who used LMGs and SLRs, fired at the Kannakhal and Harinagar villages on the Indian side covering an area of three and half kilometres.

The BSF returned the fire forcing the BDR to retreat.

However, there was no casualty or injuries on the Indian side.

About 9000 villagers from the area have, however, left their homes out of panic, a report from Silchar said.

''The situation is now under control,'' BSF sources said. All border outposts in the Karimganj sector had already been alerted and reinforcement rushed in, the sources said.

They said the BDR fired to divert the BSF's attention so that Bangladeshi farmers could indulge in harvesting of crops on the India side across the Surama river.

Similar cross border firing took place in the area on August nine in which two Indian civilians were killed and several others injured.

UNI

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