BSF suspects migration of minority Hindus fearing for safety
SHILLONG: As many as 12 persons belonging to Hindu families fled from Bangladesh and the BSF detected them at the South Garo Hills border of Meghalaya.
Though the BSF arrested them since they had illegally crossed over to Meghalaya, an official statement of the BSF said after the recent atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, it appears to be a case of migration of the Hindus who are in minority there.
The statement further said a special patrolling party of BSF troops deployed in South Garo Hills apprehended a total of 13 persons (12 Hindus and one Muslim) from Bangladesh while they were infiltrating into India.
During search, the BSF recovered Rs 5,000 Indian currency and two mobile phones with Bangladeshi SIM from their possession.
The arrested persons been identified as Anjan Sarkar (45), his wife Savita Sarkar (35), their son Sujeet Sarkar (7), Gopal Bhaumik (30), his wife Shifali Bhaumik (25), their son Pujan Bhaumik (10), Athir Das (40), his mother Nioji Das (60), Bindu Lal (45), Niranjan Mondal (38), Dulal Sarkar (20), his brother Akash Sarkar (14) and Shabuddin Sarkar (14), all residents of Anandpur village under Netrakona district of Bangladesh.
The apprehension of twelve Bangladeshis also suggests the pressure Hindus are facing in Bangladesh.
The apprehended Bangladeshi Hindus have confessed that they were going to Cooch Behar to meet relatives and would stay put there.
Meanwhile, a BSF official said the force will examine whether the migrants can be pushed back to Bangladesh, but indications are that they do not prefer to go back at this juncture considering the vulnerable situation in the wake of attacks against the minority Hindus in the neighbouring country.
