The Border Security Force (BSF) has firmly denied allegations of illegal entry by Bangladeshi nationals along the 443-km India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.
The paramilitary force declared the border "fully secure" following media reports in Bangladesh concerning the alleged death of an Awami League leader, Ishak Ali Khan Panna, in Meghalaya’s Dawki.
According to reports, Panna, a leader of the ruling Awami League, reportedly suffered a heart attack while attempting to flee Bangladesh by climbing a hill near Dawki, which is located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, close to the international border.
The BSF, however, has dismissed these reports as "entirely fabricated."
"There is no illegal entry of Bangladesh nationals in the area of responsibility of the Meghalaya Frontier BSF along the Indo-Bangla border. The story of Panna's death being circulated is entirely fabricated. Any attempt at illegal infiltration or activities that compromise the security of our nation will be dealt with firmly," a BSF spokesperson maintained.
Following the violence in Bangladesh on August 5, the BSF heightened its vigilance along the border, successfully preventing several illegal entry attempts and arresting those involved.
The BSF has also reached out to the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Assam to verify the claims.
The spokesperson added, "The assistant high commission of Bangladesh has confirmed that they have not received any official information concerning Panna's death near the border area as of now."
Local sources in Dawki, including villagers, have denied any knowledge of the incident.
An elder from Dawki stated, "If a Bangladeshi tried to enter India, our relatives from across the border would have informed us, and we would relay the information to the BSF and police. There is no such incident."
Another source suggested that Panna had died around 400 metres away from the international border, within Bangladeshi territory, while travelling with trusted associates.
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