BSF encountered strong resistance from villagers of Kuliang in East Jaintia Hills district, where one personnel was attacked with an axe while attempting to thwart cross-border smuggling by a group of 30-35 Bangladeshi smugglers who had infiltrated Indian territory through an unfenced area of Border Outpost (BOP) Kuliang, under the jurisdiction of 172 Bn BSF.
These smugglers, aided by local villagers, entered to receive sugar consignments from Indian smugglers in Kuliang village.
As per news reports, BSF stated it faced significant opposition from the villagers upon arriving at the scene after receiving information. As BSF personnel approached, Bangladeshi miscreants attempted to flee towards Kuliang village. Local villagers obstructed BSF, pelting stones , prompting an altercation where an Indian woman attacked a BSF member with an axe, injuring his right hand. Another BSF member sustained injuries from stone pelting on his left hand. The incident was promptly reported to Umkiang police patrol post under PS- Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills district.
BSF emphasized Kuliang village’s proximity to the international border makes it vulnerable to smuggling. Indian smugglers often store sugar in houses or designated areas, smuggling it into Bangladesh with Bangladeshi counterparts through unfenced patches and adverse weather.
Since January 2024, BSF in Kuliang has seized over 100,000 kgs of sugar, thwarting major smuggling attempts. BSF urges local residents in border areas to refrain from illegal activities and not assist Bangladeshi smugglers. Confrontations with BSF during anti-smuggling operations by Indian villagers engaged in illegal activities are routine.
BSF remains committed to preventing trans-border crimes and will lodge a protest note with Border Guard Bangladesh over the illegal entry of Bangladeshi smugglers into Indian territory.
