Wednesday, July 12 2006 14:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: India has accused the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) of 'unprovoked firing' along the India-Bangladesh border. This is the fourteenth occasion since May 27 that India says the BDR had indulged in 'unprovoked firing' on the troubled border.

However, India has called for restraint and cooperation between the two border forces while conducting their operations so that they do not have any adverse fallout on their bilateral relationship.

The Bangladeshi media, which has been regularly carrying reports of "atrocities" by India's Border Security Force (BSF) quoting on BDR and official sources, reported without comment a statement by the Indian high commission here giving the latter's version of the incidents.

The management of the 4,300-km border is a major issue between the two neighbours, often with local incidents assuming a violent form.

Despite heavy deployment of security forces, smuggling of goods, narcotics and cattle and illegal movement of people are a common occurrence along a border that criss-crosses river systems and at many places cuts through farms and homes.

"It's highly disturbing to note that this is the 14th incident of unprovoked firing by the BDR on the Border Security Force (BSF) since May 27, 2006, while the latter was conducting operations against cattle and narcotics smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border, especially in areas of Sodepur, Soladana, Panitar and Gojadanga," UNB news agency said, quoting from the high commission release.

In particular, India has expressed concern over newspaper reports on July 7 alleging that the BSF was responsible for firing along the Komorpur and Bhatshala border points under the Debhata sub-district of Satkhira district on July 6.

The release said the reported incident has been investigated by the Indian authorities concerned, who have conveyed that a BSF patrol party from the border outpost at Sodepur, "While taking action against cattle smugglers in the Ichhamati river, came under unprovoked firing from the BDR on July 6."

It said, "The BSF was forced to retaliate in self-defence and protect civilians on the Indian side moving in the surrounding areas. In spite of unprovoked firing by the BDR, the BSF tried to defuse the situation by trying to reach senior BDR officers, none of whom responded to the calls. Instead, the BDR continued intermittent firing up to 11.30 am, during which it fired about 6,000-7,000 rounds. The BSF subsequently lodged a strong protest note with the BDR."

The Bangladesh Observer newspaper, quoting the release, said, "The Indian high commission once again reiterates the need for cooperation by the BDR in order to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border."