GUWAHATI, Feb 3 � Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Tariq A Karim has suggested initiating joint patrolling by involving Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) to defuse tension along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Relying to queries on the influx issue between India and Bangladesh through the North East border, he said that it can be solved by discussions and mutual cooperation. �Instead of pointing guns at each other, we must try to create a congenial atmosphere in which the people of both the countries can live peacefully,� he said, adding that there are some disputed areas along the border which need to be sorted out.
On the perennial militancy problem, he stated that Bangladesh has been the victim of terrorism since a long time. �It is a common problem for both India and Bangladesh. But, Bangladesh has now, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, taken a number of measures against militancy,� he said.
Throwing more lights on the issue, he informed that some militants of ULFA had already been handed over to the Indian Government. �We generally do not allow our land to be used by militants as it affects our development,� he said.
He, however, refused to comment on Anup Chetia, a senior leader of ULFA who has been in jail in Bangladesh for a long time.
�We are now working together in fighting militancy and the result has been positive so far. But to wipe out militancy in the region, we need to work more closely,� the High Commissioner opined.
On the other hand, intelligence agencies � which are closely monitoring the situation in the aftermath of developments in the field of militancy � are of the view that some members of NE-based militant outfits are still running camps in the bordering areas of Bangladesh. �According to feedback, members of the Manipur-based militant outfits have strong bases with the active support of ISI of Pakistan,� the sources added.
