Vast border areas in CHT outside security watch
People in some 1,600 square kilometre bordering area in Chittagong Hill Tracts feel unsafe in absence of adequate security forces while more than 75 border villages have become almost a safe den for local and regional rebels, armed cadres and criminals.
Some 1,600 square kilometre border areas including Sajek, Bethling, Jupoi, Poroa, Konglakpara, Tuichai, Shialdai, Ruilui, Pilong and Lungthian border has fallen without any security shelter, as there is no presence of security forces of Bangladesh, said officials and locals.
Established in 1947, BDR border outpost at Sajek situated about 34 kilometres inside from the border is the only BDR camp to look after the security of the people of 75 villages and their properties, Shashi Bhushan Tripura, headman (village chief) of Ruilui Southpara village said.
The security issue has again become a talked about issue in the area after an Indian helicopter entered into Bangladesh airspace and landed on the helipad of Bagaihat Army zone on Monday.
The Indian side explained it as a mistake due to damage of their helicopter's Global Positioning System (GPS).
However, adequate security measure and alert system in the Bangladesh area could have averted the situation.
Shushil Jibon Chakma, a 61-year-old man, demanded employing more security forces and arranging better communication facilities in the area.
Lal Thang, 46, the headman of Ruilui village, said they have to suffer for want of communication, treatment, food, education and security facilities.
Nala Kumar Tripura, the karbari of Pilong village said,
“Criminals belonging to UPDF, Jana Sanghati Samity as well as unknown faces come to our villages to take domestic birds, animals and vegetables as tolls, he said.
L Thangga Pangkhuya, chairman of Sajek Union Parishad, said they are bound to give toll as per demand of the criminals to save life and property.
“We want more security camps here to protect our life and property and have suitable living environment,” he said.
Lt Col Sajid Imtiaz, immediate past commanding officer of Baghaihat zone, said they sent a proposal to the higher authorities for taking immediate step to set up more security camps to protect life and property in the border villages.
“We have reports about presence of criminals at remote and bordering villages. Many armed criminals were arrested in different times,” he said.
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