Agartala, January 26:Tensions gripped the India-Bangladesh border in Kailashahar’s Unakoti district on Republic Day after an alleged attack on two Indian farmers by Bangladeshi nationals inside Indian territory near the zero point of the international boundary.
The incident occurred in the Hirachhara ADC village under the Irani police station, creating a volatile situation in the border area.
Reportedly, two brothers, Karim Ali (28) and Zamir Ali (34), who are farmers from the village, were brutally assaulted with sharp weapons and iron rods by a group of 10-12 Bangladeshi individuals.
The attack left them critically injured, with Karim sustaining deep wounds on his left hand and back, and Zamir suffering head injuries.
Both are currently undergoing treatment at the Unakoti District Hospital, where doctors have indicated that Karim’s left-hand finger may need amputation.
The incident unfolded when the brothers, who cultivate betel leaves and paddy on their land near the zero point, like other days on Sunday morning had gone from farming activities and discovered significant damage to their crops.
They informed the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at Gate No. 44 and continued with their work. However, while returning home in the evening, they were threaten not to go to that area for cultivation and then attacked by Bangladeshi nationals from the Murui Chhara area of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh.
The attack occurred within Indian territory, raising concerns about cross-border safety. Despite BSF personnel being on duty at the border gate, the remote location of the incident prevented immediate intervention.
This violent episode follows other recent border disputes in the region. On January 7, Bangladeshi nationals allegedly attacked BSF personnel at the Maguruli border and attempted to snatch their firearms.
A week ago in Kailashahar a team led by the DM Unakoti district had raised concerns about increasing height of a road just on the zero point by Bangladesh and which has potential of flooding the bordering town during monsoon season. The matter has been reported to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha for resolving the issue at the appropriate levels.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Karim Ali identified some of the attackers as residents of Murui Chhara in Bangladesh and expressed frustration over the escalating threats from across the border.
Kanta Jangir, Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district, speaking over phone to North East Live stated that upon receiving information about the incident, a police team visited the injured at the hospital, however, the police are awaiting a formal complaint.
The situation remains tense, with demands for enhanced security measures and a diplomatic resolution to prevent further incidents.
