Guwahati, May 27: Tension flared along the India-Bangladesh international border in the Thakurbari area of South Salmara Mankachar district on Tuesday morning after a dramatic face-off between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) during a repatriation operation.
According to BSF sources, the standoff erupted as Indian authorities were repatriating 14 Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered Indian territory. However, the process was abruptly disrupted when BGB personnel, reportedly supported by local Bangladeshi civilians, intervened near the zero line—a neutral buffer zone between the two countries.
The situation escalated quickly, prompting BSF troops to fire four warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation. BSF officials described the crowd as swelling and increasingly aggressive.
“The BGB not only opposed the handover but crossed into the zero line area, leading to a heated verbal confrontation,” said a senior security official, calling the intrusion into the sensitive border zone a serious breach of protocol.
In a formal statement, the BSF said its troops had observed suspicious movement from across the border in the early hours of May 27. A group of Bangladeshi nationals was seen attempting to illegally cross into Indian territory from the Bangladesh side.
“BSF troops acted swiftly and challenged the intruders to prevent unauthorized entry,” the statement said. “The mob subsequently retreated back into Bangladesh.”
Describing the incident as part of its larger mandate to defend India’s borders, the BSF emphasized its continued vigilance and professional conduct under pressure.
“This incident underscores the BSF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s borders. The force remains alert and dedicated to its mission while upholding humanitarian principles and international cooperation,” the statement read.
The confrontation highlights the fragile dynamics of border management in Assam’s sensitive sectors and raises fresh concerns over civilian involvement in cross-border tensions. No injuries were reported, but the situation remained tense with additional BSF reinforcements deployed to the area.
