The Madhya Pradesh forest department will provide 700 pump-action guns to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deployment along the international border with Bangladesh, a senior official confirmed on Friday.
The pump-action guns, which fire rubber bullets, are currently used by the state to deter armed poachers and illegal tree-felling gangs, according to PK Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection) for Madhya Pradesh.
"We will supply 700 pump-action guns from our armoury to the BSF," Singh said. He noted that the state government had requested the firearms after receiving a letter from the Union Home Ministry regarding enhanced security measures along the border with Bangladesh.
The guns, imported in 2008 from the US-based Maverick Arms Inc., have a single barrel and are of 12-gauge calibre, according to another official.
India shares a 4,096-kilometre border with Bangladesh, with West Bengal accounting for 2,217 kilometres. The states of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya also have borders with the country.
Bangladesh has been experiencing political unrest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 amid widespread protests, and Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus is currently leading the government.
In response to the turmoil, the BSF has increased its vigilance along the border to prevent illegal crossings by Bangladeshi citizens.
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