Indo-Bangla border
'Rakhi's being tied to border guards along Indo-Bangladesh border in Agartala on August 26, 2018. Image - Northeast Now

Border guards of India and Bangladesh were happy as hundreds of women from Agartala tied ‘rakhis’, the secret thread, on the occasion of ‘Raksha Bandhan‘ festival in Agartala-Akhaura border of Tripura.

During the programme, led by the BJP Mahila Morcha, the women tied hand-made rakhis and offered the border guards sweets.

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Though the BSF personnel are acquainted with the festival, but for many from Bangladesh it was totally a new experience which they cherished.

Tripura BJP general secretary Pratima Bhowmik, who also took part in the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ festival, said, “This is just a thread but it has magical power in it and can bring us together forgetting all our differences. The border guards of any nation take the risk of their lives to save us from all external enemies and so, we have come to show them our love and faith in them.”

“Moreover, by tying rakhis to the border guards of our neighboring friendly nation, we are also sending a message of peace and love and which shall further improve our relationship,” he added.

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Along with the BSF troopers, the troopers from the neighbouring Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) and the common people were also tied rakhis and they appreciated the gesture and viewed that it would further improve the relationship between the two nations.

Subedar Moktar, a BGB official said, “‘Raksha Bandhan’ is a very beautiful festival and for the first time I took part in it. We are enjoying it though it is a ritual of the Hindu community of both India and Bangladesh. I on behalf of my people and BGB wish everyone and pray it is celebrated successfully and peacefully. We are maintaining a very cordial and good relation with Agartala and as a whole, Tripura.”

He added, “On behalf of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hassina, I convey our thanks to you all and our Prime Minister is also happy with the newly elected Chief Minister of Tripura. We pray that both Hindus and Muslims can live peacefully and celebrate the festivals together.”

Adding to the BGB official Moktar, a Bangladesh national, Daibik Pankaj, for whom also it was a new experience, said, “We are very much excited and by tying the rakhi in my hand India has once again tied Bangladesh with love. I am also feeling proud that and as friendly neighbour, I hope, we maintain our relationship like this always.”

 

Pinaki Das is Northeast Now Correspondent in Agartala. He can be reached at: [email protected]