BSF equipped with helicopters

Shillong, Sep 2 (UNI) The Border Security Force, manning the Tripura and Mizoram sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border, has been equipped with helicopters on certain stretches ridden with treacherous terrain and thick jungles.

There are altogether 21 BOPs on a 120 km stretch between Raishyabari and Khangtlang in Tripura bordering Bangaldesh, which are currently being air-maintained for supply of ration and medicine.

''We have been equipped with six helicopters to beef up border vigil and reinforcement of certain border outposts (BOP),'' BSF's Director General Ashish Kumar Mitra said.

Two of these helicopters are already flying with the help of Indian Air Force pilots to meet the requirements of the troops based on certain stretches ridden with treacherous terrain and thick jungles, Mr Mitra said.

Stating that the influx of Bangladeshi infiltrators had reduced in the region, the BSF chief, however, expressed concern on infiltration of these foreign nationals from Karimganj and Dhubri sectors in Assam.

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