Saturday, August 12 2006 15:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Silchar (Assam): The Border Security Force was maintaining strict vigil in Assam's Cachar and Karimganj districts bordering Bangladesh following Wednesday's mortar attack by Bangladesh Rifles that killed two women.

No fresh incidents of firing were reported since yesterday and troops were on high alert to prevent any 'misadventure' by Bangladesh Rifles, BSF officials said here today (Aug 12, 2006).

The BSF claimed it had shot dead five BDR personnel on Thursday.

People who had fled border villages were not willing to return to their homes following the mortar attack. Residents of Harinagar, Kinnarkal and Tukirgram villages in a 32-km stretch along the border are still panicky despite top district officials assuring them of their safety.

A total of 460 people from 82 families have taken shelter in two camps at Gumrah, officials said. The district administration has also opened camps at two schools in Katigorah, they said.

Trouble started in the border areas in June over the occupation of 220 acres of Indian land by Bangladeshi cultivators. A flag meeting between BSF and BDR officials was scheduled for August 13.