Border Security Force (BSF), stationed along the India-Bangladesh border at Akhaura in Tripura distributed sweets on Monday to their Bangladeshi counterpart as a goodwill gesture before the Diwali, but this time along with the sweet box a wanted criminal from across the border arrested in Indian territory was also handed over.
BSF Tripura Frontier Inspector General (IG) gave sweet boxes to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official Muktar Hussai while greeting them on the occasion of Diwali which will be celebrated on Thursday.
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“This is pre-Diwali celebration and we are exchanging sweets and this will further improve our relationship and reduce crime further. Moreover, if there are proper employment and income scope in the bordering areas population and other facilities then criminal nexuses can be uprooted,” he said.
The IG viewed that relation between the India-Bangladesh at present is one of the best and which is revealed from the seizures during the last six months.
He also added, “During the last six to seven months there has been huge anti-drugs operations in Tripura and our seizure during this period is around Rs 25 crores. That itself shows the vigil that is been maintained and the kind of cooperation we are getting from BGB, local police and citizens. I am really hopeful things will further improve.”
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When asked about the handing over of the Bangladeshi criminal to the BGB, the BSF IG said, “Indian border guards keep catching criminals regularly and hand them over to their counterparts but at present the seizure of drugs is worth mentioning. During last six months around one crore ganja plants have been destroyed and so the coming season this will badly affect the production of ganja. This will have huge impact on the crime syndicates and BSF shall continue this so that they are compelled to leave this and come back to mainstream. Moreover, the issues related to the border fencing, lighting and other border related issued are discussed with the BGB and sorted out.”
He also greeted people of Bangladesh on behalf of the BSF.
The gesture was equally reciprocated by BGB officials and jawans.
BGB Company Commander at Akhaura, Muktar Hussain said, “I on behalf of all Bangladesh citizens convey my wishes to every Indian and my BSF fellows for successful celebration of Diwali. We have a ritual at the ICP (integrated check post) to celebrate all festivals together.”
To enhance bilateral relations, the exchange of sweets between India and Bangladesh along the border is an old and traditional practice.
BSF and BGB exchange sweets and greetings on various festive occasions like Diwali, Eid, Holi, Independence Day and Republic Day.