New Assam CM asks BSF to seal Indo-Bangla border on war footing

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has asked the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border on a war footing.

Chairing a high level meeting with the top brass of the BSF led by its Director General KK Sharma yesterday, Sonowal asked the border sentinels to ensure erection of fencing expeditiously for a safe and fool-proof border with the neighbouring country.

According to a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office today, Sonowal asked BSF to make use of 'smart technological solutions' like laser walls and surveillance gadgets to keep security at the frontiers at all times.

The Chief Minister also asked the BSF to remove all challenges coming in the way of ensuring a secured border at the earliest.

Erection of fencing along the border including 'riverine' areas has to be dealt with resolutely "if we want to make our borders safe," he added.

Sonowal further said, "It is a part of our pledge that we will completely seal international border with Bangladesh in order to keep infiltration and smuggling from across the border at bay."

Referring to BSF's observation that 42 km stretch in Dhubri sector is challenging, he assured all help from the state government to seal the border and keep the state free from infiltration.