'East' new problem area, more troop deployment being done: BSF

New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) After intelligence reports indicating involvement of Bangla nationals in recent terrorist attacks, the BSF was deploying more troops along the border with Bangladesh which was emerging as the new hotbed of insurgent-activities.

Addressing mediapersons before the 41st Raising Day of the force, BSF Director General A K Mitra said 'Eastern India' was emerging as the ''problem area of tomorrow'' after Kashmir, and to tackle this trend more troop inductions were being made there.

Earlier the Border Security Force had 50-odd battalions in the East, but today 66 of them are stationed there which was being further strengthened with additional deployments, he said.

''The additionl deployments itself are indicative of the growing unrest there.'' At present its not just infiltration by 'economic migrants', who want to improve their life standard, but by those who were indulging in terror activities here and were a cause of concern, he said.

''While one battalion has been stationed in Sunderbans area of West Bengal another was in Tura in Meghalaya.'' Though infiltration along Bangladesh border has come down, as per interception figures (2005-11,000 and 2006-8,000), but this was because elections were round the corner there and for this troops have been alerted for the next 3/4 months, he explained.

''The Eastern sector was now being used to infiltrate terror operators in India which has made the problem serious. The additional deployments are part of steps to tackle this.'' More than 1.5 lakh people, who entered through International Check Posts (ICPs) in the last five years, have not returned from India and definitely they were not here for valid legal reasons, said the BSF DG.

Moreover, another noticeable feature of late has been infiltration bids from Punjab and Rajasthan sectors -- a new area.

''Three heavily armed militants, perhaps a fidayeen group with long-term plans, made a bid to sneak in from border post Ratankhurd in Amritsar sector by cutting the fence wires.'' Though they were shot dead but it was clearly evident that without 'patronage' this could not be possible, forcing us to change our strategy, Mr Mitra added.

UNI AN YA KN1644