Kolkata: With the situation in Bangladesh continuing to remain volatile, Daljit Singh Chawdhary, director general, Border Security Force (BSF), visited outposts along the riverine stretch of the international border in West Bengal and played Holi with the troops. This was a morale booster for the jawans and officers, who spend days in the remote areas, often on floating Border Outposts.
“It was a rare occasion for the troops. They played Holi with flower petals, with the DG and other senior officers. The DG visited the Hingalganj Border Outpost where troops of the 74Bn BSF are posted. He also visited a Floating BOP on the River Ichhamati, which forms a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh in the Sundarbans. This is one of the most difficult borders to manage, owing to the rivers and creeks. No fencing is possible and there are regular infiltration attempts,” a senior BSF official of the South Bengal Frontier said.
Chawdhary was accompanied by Ravi Gandhi, additional director general, Eastern Command, BSF and Karni Singh Shekhawat, IG, South Bengal Frontier, BSF. The DG participated in a Bara Khana with the troops and spoke to them personally. He praised their efforts in managing an extremely difficult border. There are challenges thrown up by the mangrove forests nearby, as well as the international border that is difficult to demarcate.
As larger vessels cannot enter the troops, patrolling has to be done by speedboats. Jawans sink up to their knees in mud when moving to and from camp, particularly during low tide. This is probably the only place in the world where troops tie empty plastic soft drink bottles to their weapons with long strings. This helps in tracing a weapon if it falls in the water and sinks to the bottom. The bottles work as floats.
“The troops performed a programme for the DG and other senior officers. Chawdhary praised the celebration organized by the 74Bn and its commanding officer Manoj Kumar Rai. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the selfless dedication and devotion of the jawans, who, despite being away from their homes and families on the festive occasion, continue to protect the borders of the nation. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment and honoured them as true heroes of the nation. He hailed the festival of colours as a vibrant symbol of peace, unity and harmony, underscoring the vital importance of fostering brotherhood throughout the country,” the official said.
