Tension prevailed along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Monday after a clash between the farmers of two villages on the border of the countries, officials said.
The BSF and police officials separately said the villagers of India and Bangladesh clashed among themselves over the issue of farming in cropland in the border village of Hirachhara in Kailashahar Sub-division on Sunday evening.
According to the officials, two Indian farmers and a Bangladeshi cultivator were injured in the clash before the BSF troops intervened in the conflict. Local people said that Indian farmers -- Karim Ali (28) and Zamir Ali (34), both brothers, were severely assaulted with sharp weapons and iron rods by a group of 10-12 Bangladesh nationals. The attack left them critically injured, with Karim sustaining deep wounds on his left hand and back while Zamir suffered head injuries.
Both are currently undergoing medical treatment at the Unakoti District Hospital, where doctors have indicated that Karim’s left-hand finger may need an amputation.
The incident occurred when the two brothers, who cultivate betel leaves and paddy on their land near the zero line of the border, had gone for farming activities on Sunday and found significant damage to their crops. They informed the matter to the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in the area.
However, while returning home in the evening, they were threatened not to go to that area again for cultivation and then attacked by Bangladeshi nationals from the Murui Chhara area of Moulvibazar district (Bangladesh).
The attack occurred within Indian territory raising concerns about the safety of the Indian border villagers. Additional troops of the BSF have been deployed in the areas.
Sunday’s incident occurred within three weeks after Bangladeshi nationals allegedly attacked BSF personnel at the Maguruli border and attempted to snatch their firearms on January 7.
Meanwhile, Tripura Chief met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on January 18 and handed over a letter to him on the construction of a big embankment along the border by Bangladesh.
“The Chief Minister in his letter to the Home Minister, highlighted the potential effect of the Bangladeshi embankment in Unakoti district and possible floods on the Indian side. The Chief Minister has urged the Home Minister to take up the matter with the Bangladesh government to take appropriate steps by the neighbouring country,” an official said.
Seeking the Union government’s intervention, the opposition Congress on Saturday organised a demonstration along the India-Bangladesh border areas in northern Tripura’s Unakoti district to protest against the construction of the embankment by the neighbouring country along the boundary. According to senior Congress leader and former Minister Birajit Sinha, who has been spearheading a stir against the controversial embankment, the Bangladesh government now unilaterally constructing an embankment on its land may endanger the district town of Kailashahar and border villages during monsoon floods.
Centre to invest Rs 1,000 crore for waterways in northeast: Sarbananda Sonowal
Sonowal said, “As per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast with projects worth Rs 1,000 crore on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026.”
Rafale friendship takes flight: French Senate delegation backs India in fight against terror
The Rafale fighter jets supplied by France are not just cutting-edge defence platforms — they now stand as soaring symbols of a time-tested friendship and strategic trust between India and France, New Delhi told a visiting delegation of the French Senate on Tuesday.
PM Modi to German Chancellor: Both countries stand united in fight against terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Friedrich Merz on Tuesday evening and congratulated him on assuming office as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
‘Asking a thief to probe his own crime’: FS Misri slams Pakistan’s joint investigation call during MP briefing on terror outreach
In a bold diplomatic initiative following ‘Operation Sindoor’, India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistan’s direct and indirect links to terrorism.
From Tokyo to Washington: Operation Sindoor delegations, tour dates revealed
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation targeting terror launchpads across the Line of Control, the Indian government has launched an unprecedented global diplomatic offensive.
Beaten and humiliated in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan promotes Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal for 'securing country'
In an unprecedented move after India's hard-hitting Operation Sindoor targetting the terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan post Pahalgam massacre, the Pakistan Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced its decision to promote the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
Heritage hotel in Pushpabanta Palace to boost tourism; open arena of job for youths: CM Dr Manik Saha
To further boost tourism in Tripura, the department of tourism on Tuesday signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for establishment of a five star category hotel in the historic Pushpabanta Palace here at Agartala Circuit House.
IMD issues orange alert for North, Unakoti; Districts record highest rainfall
The Meteorological Centre in Agartala has issued an orange alert for North Tripura and Unakoti districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall between May 21 and May 25. A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of Tripura during the same period.