BSF restriction lefts farmers with bleak future in Mizoram

Aizawl, Nov 9 (UNI) Thousands of ginger and passion fruit growers across the North East region are now left with an uncertain future following the Border Security Force's (BSF) restriction of cross-border movement with Bangladesh in Mizoram, The BSF had recently restricted cross-border movement of the people in Lunglei district and adjoining areas, a traditional border trade area near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

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

About 5,000 quintals of ginger in about 40 trucks has 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 the border areas had failed.

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

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