Indian villagers avail Bangladesh telecom service

Shillong, Oct 10 (UNI) The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has admitted that Indian villagers residing in the bordering areas of Bangladesh are using the service of Bangladesh Grameen Mobile to keep in touch with their near ones and dear ones in India.

"It's a paradox that our people in the bordering areas are using the Bangladesh telecommunication services," BSNL Chief General Manager (North East-one) A K Gupta said.

Mr Gupta said the BSNL Company cannot extend its mobile service to the border areas because of restrictions imposed by the Union Home Ministry due to security reasons.

"It a disgrace to the country that our villagers are utilising the Bangladesh telecom service," the BSNL Chief said while pointing out that India is losing huge revenue in term of crore of rupees.

However, Mr Gupta said despite the Home Ministry restrictions, various insurgents outfits active in the bordering areas of Bangladesh could still use the Bangladesh Grameen phones.

"It's more a security threat to the country that insurgents groups are using the Bangladesh mobile phones," he said, adding that even the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Tripura have expressed concern on this matter.

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