GUWAHATI, Dec 1 - Altogether 277 people were caught on the Bangladesh border in western Assam during the last twelve months, but all of them were criminals and �there was no other intention behind their cross-border movement,� the BSF said today.
Speaking at a press conference here on the occasion of the BSF�s raising day, Guwahati Frontier IG Rajesh Kumar said the arrested intruders were examined and it was found that their only motive behind their infiltration or exfiltration was smuggling.
He said besides the routine surveillance, day and night �simultaneous coordinated patrols� are being carried out by BSF and BGB to check cross-border movement and crime.
Of the 277 people caught last year, 245 were Indian smugglers and 32 Bangladeshi nationals.
From December 1 last year to November 30 this year, the total seizures made by the BSF�s Guwahati Frontier � in Dhubri, South Salmara and Coochbehar � were worth Rs 22 crore and consisted of cattle heads, narcotics, etc.
Over 24,060 cattle heads were rescued while being smuggled to Bangladesh during the period.
Admitting reports that the seized cattle tend to land up in the hands of smugglers again when they are auctioned, the IG said the matter was taken up with the administration of Dhubri.
�The district officials told us that the exercise of animal tagging is being initiated as part of a national programme. We are not sure about the technique that will be used, but we want that the seized cattle should be tagged in priority. Only then we can get some link if they are caught while being smuggled again,� the BSF official said.
The BSF official also informed that floods have been causing large-scale damage to border outposts. �Even this year there was lot of damage, but little less when compared to last year,� he said.
As part of long-term measures to check such damage in future, the BSF has begun raising the height of the posts where the personnel stay. �All new constructions are being done at safe heights,� he added.
