SOURCE: AFI

Recent reports suggest that Bangladesh has been providing weapons training to civilians living close to the Indo-Bangladesh border, escalating tensions and prompting a reevaluation of security protocols by India. Experts are now advocating for the immediate scrapping of the Non-Lethal Treaty to empower the Border Security Force (BSF) with unrestricted operational capabilities.
According to sources, Bangladesh has been conducting training sessions for civilians, teaching them how to handle small arms and potentially engage in border skirmishes or protect against Indian border forces. This move could be seen as an attempt to assert control or deter Indian forces from taking stringent measures against illegal activities like smuggling, which are prevalent along this border.
The Indo-Bangladesh border is known for its porous nature, leading to various cross-border issues including smuggling of cattle, drugs, and humans. The training of civilians might complicate these dynamics further.
India and Bangladesh had agreed upon using non-lethal weapons along the border to minimize civilian casualties, aiming for a peaceful resolution to border disputes. With Bangladesh reportedly arming its civilians, Indian security analysts argue that the BSF’s hands are tied by the treaty, potentially endangering the lives of Indian personnel and civilians. : Security experts, including those from think tanks and former military officials, are vocal about the need to revise or scrap this agreement. They argue that a free hand for BSF would allow more effective control over border security, especially in light of these new developments.
The BSF has previously been criticized for using lethal force, but with the current scenario, there’s a push for them to adopt a more robust approach to safeguard Indian interests and personnel. The BSF faces increased operational challenges when dealing with armed civilians, especially if these individuals are being used to support or cover illegal activities across the border.
This situation could strain diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, with potential repercussions on trade, cultural exchanges, and regional stability. There’s a growing consensus among security analysts that the Non-Lethal Treaty needs reevaluation. They suggest that the BSF should be allowed to use lethal force when necessary to protect Indian territory and citizens.
In the meantime, there’s a push for increased surveillance, both physical and technological, along the border to monitor these activities more effectively. While there’s a call for a tougher stance, there’s also advice for engaging diplomatically with Bangladesh to address these concerns, perhaps even negotiating new terms for border management.
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