Bangladesh Rifles hand suspected behind attack in Agartala, Nov 26

Border Security Force has sent a protest note to the Bangladesh Rifles over their suspected role in the November 21 insurgent attack at Raishyabari in Dhalai district in which four persons
including three BSF jawans were killed. Damodar Sarangi, Additional Director General of BSF said that they are awaiting response from their Bangladeshi counterparts.

Mr Sarangi who visited Raishyabari yesterday said about 30 militants came from Bangladesh side; some of them stayed back for back up support while others conducted the raid and went back to Bangladesh. He refused to make any comment about any active role of BDR in the operation, as it needs further verification.

The incident has given a new twist to the Indo-Bangla relations following reports of BDR role in the
incident. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar also visited the spot today.

The role of the BDR came under suspicion following statement of some eyewitness including the injured persons that some fire also came from Bangladesh side. Mr Sarangi admitted that Bangladesh has occasionally conducted raids against the Indian insurgents but said still they are having camps inside Bangladesh and operating from there.

The motive behind the attack seemed to prevent construction of barbed wire fencing along the border as it is going to be a major obstruction for their trans-border movement. Three additional battalions of the BSF are going to be inducted in Tripura who will be mainly used for guarding the workers involved in construction of fencing.

Date: Nov 26, 2005