SHILLONG: A crucial seminar between the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) was held in Shillong for better operational coordination.
The "Army-BSF Synergy Seminar 2026" was hosted by the 101 Area of the Army's Eastern Command. Participants included senior officers from the BSF's Meghalaya, Guwahati, Mizoram, and Cachar and Tripura Frontiers.
The BSF is in charge of managing the 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. Of this, 856 km lies in Tripura, 443 km in Meghalaya, 318 km in Mizoram, and 262 km in Assam. The remaining 2,217 km of the border is managed by the South Bengal and North Bengal Frontiers of West Bengal.
The terrain through which the border runs makes management difficult. It comprises riverine, forested, and hilly stretches, where fencing is difficult.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, about 3,232.2 km, or approximately 78 per cent of the border, is fenced. There is little possibility of fencing the 174.5 km that has water bodies, marshes and dense forests.
Apart from intensive patrolling, the BSF now uses advanced surveillance equipment to keep a check on criminal activities and illegal immigration.
While the Army is not directly involved in management of the India-Bangladesh border, some of its vital installations and assets along the northeastern states lie close, requiring greater coordination with the BSF. (IANS)
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