Farmers of border villages in Cachar resume cultivation

From Special Correspondent

Silchar, Feb 8: A long pending issue of joint verification of boundary pillars abruptly suspended since August 2006 along the border villages of Harigar, Kinrkhal and Chandigar in Cachar has filly been resolved amicably by the all out efforts of Border Security Force. This will facilitate the Indian farmers to cultivate their land along Surma river up to intertiol border. Intertiol boundary along the villages in question is well demarcated, but due to the changing course of river Surma running almost parallel to the border, a large chunk of ‘char land’ has been formed along the river.

 Cultivation on agricultural land along the river Surma measuring around 220 acres was abandoned since August 2006 when Bangladesh Rifles, now BGB, resorted to unprovoked firing by mortar shells and automatic weapons on this side of the border. BSF was compelled to retaliate which resulted in casualties of both civilians and Border Guards of Bangladesh. This led not only to the suspension of cultivation by Indian villagers but also the joint verification of boundary pillars was put on hold.

The tension and clash during the regime of Begum Khaleda Zia became a thing of the past with the coming back to power of Sheikh Hasi led Government. This also led to cordial relations between the two countries and the border security forces on either sides. The long pending issue of joint verification of boundary pillar in the area was also resolved on January 14, 2017. This has no doubt brought smiles on the faces of the Indian farmers. The dispute was worked out between the commanding officers of both BSF and BGB. The abandoned land has again been taken up for cultivation and the farmers expect to have rich harvest of their crops.