DHAKA, May 3 – A meeting of border forces of India and Bangladesh ended here today in disagreement over existence of terrorist camps in each other’s territory, even as the Indian side handed over a list of 195 camps of North East insurgents based in the neighbouring country, reports PTI. Although a joint statement of discussions was signed by BSF Director General Ajai Raj Sharma and his Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) counterpart Maj Gen Jehangir Alam Chowdhury agreeing to stop illegal cross-overs, the two sides engaged in allegations and counter-allegations over the issue of terrorist camps.
During the five-day biennial meet, Sharma handed over a list of 195 terrorist camps based in Bangladesh, irrespective of disclaimer from his BDR counterpart. The number of such camps cited in the list is five higher than that specified during the last meeting in New Delhi in January. BDR, on the other hand, alleged that 37 anti-Bangladesh camps were based in India and submitted a list of 344 terrorists they believe are in that country. The BSF chief dismissed the claim, saying Indian authorities had checked up such allegations made earlier but found no terrorist camps. He said Indian authorities would again look into the allegation. In view of such allegations and counter-allegations, he said, he had proposed joint investigation.
The Indian side had also proposed joint patrolling of the border to end suspicions but Bangladeshi Ministry of Home Affairs was yet to take a decision on it. Bangladesh has also opposed erection of fence by India close to border, saying it should be at least 150 yards away from the 'no-man's land'. The two sides also discussed other contentious issues like illegal immigration, smuggling, criminal activities along the border, trafficking in arms, drugs and women.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress in containing various offences and criminal activities along the border, meeting sources said, attributing it to improved relation between the two forces. The meeting noted that there was practically no exchange of fire between the forces of BDR and BSF in last one year, they said.