Tension in Panchagarh border
BDR protests tea plantation by BSF-backed Indian farmers along Zero Line
A Correspondent, Dinajpur
Tension is mounting in Bhazanpur border area in Tentulia upazila in Panchagarh district as several hundred Indian farmers, backed by BSF are planting tea saplings in the no-man's land near border pillar no 429/430. BDR has strengthened its position in the area after BSF (Indian Border Security Forces) reinforces its strength by mobilising more border guards and armaments in Balabari BSF outpost across the border, BDR sources said yesterday. The tea plantation by Indians began on Thursday. About 50 hectares of land in the 'zero line' have so far been brought under tea plantation, the sources said. Soon after beginning of the tea plantation, BDR lodged a strong protest but the plantation continued under protection of BSF, BDR sources and local people said. BDR also increased its strength on Friday. Many villagers in the border area have left homes fearing more trouble. When contacted, BDR sources at Bhazanpur BDR outpost said they sent a protest letter on Friday, but to no response yet.
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