BSF restriction leaves farmers with bleak future

Aizawl, Nov 09: Following the Border Security Force's (BSF) restriction of cross-border movement with Bangladesh in Mizoram, thousands of ginger, passion fruits growers across the region now left with an uncertain future.

BSF had recently restricted cross-border movements to the people of in Lunglei district and adjoining areas, a traditional border trade area near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The BSF's action has virtually deprived the livelihood of thousands of local farmers, who survives on the informal trade with Bangladesh which had been continuing since the British era.

About 5,000 quintals of gingers in about 40 trucks have already been stranded at Tlabung village in the district following the BSF's denial of their passage, the source from Lunglei area said.

Even a desperate attempt recently by the Mizoram DGP Lalngheta Sailo by initiating highlevel talks with the BSF officials on the problems faced by the farmers in border areas had also failed.

However, the BSF officials here have termed the ginger trades as smuggling and said would take up the matter to the state home department.

UNI

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