BSF directs troops not to get provoked

As the mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles spreads outside Dhaka, the BSF has directed its troops, guarding the 4,095-km Indo-Bangla border, not to get provoked and avoid getting trapped in the cross fire of the beleaguered force.

As the mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles spreads outside Dhaka, the BSF has directed its troops, guarding the 4,095-km Indo-Bangla border, not to get provoked and avoid getting trapped in the cross fire of the beleaguered force.

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The BSF, which has been under high alert following the disturbing developments among the ranks of the border guarding force of the neighbouring country, is keeping close vigil across the frontier and making only "tactical movements".

"We have directed our force not to get provoked under any circumstances and move tactically. We have also asked the troops not to come under the cross fire of the rebellious BDR personnel," a senior BSF official said in Dhaka.

BSF Director General M L Kumawat met top Home Ministry officials this afternoon and briefed them about the prevailing situation along the border.

Around 70,000 personnel (70 battalions) of the BSF are currently deployed in the eastern frontier.

The BSF has observed that BDR personnel have apparently pulled out of their regular patrol and surveillance activity following the rebellion in the forces' headquarters in Dhaka, which is feared to have left over 50 officers dead and was spreading to other areas.

"BDR personnel have not been spotted along the borders. Our personnel have not observed the routine patrolling of BDR," the official said.