India, Bangladesh to increase joint patrolling

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) India and Bangladesh have agreed to increase cooperation in border management through increased joint patrolling and deployment of troops in unguarded border areas, particularly those facing Tripura and Mizoram.

The joint working group and home secretary-level talks between India and Bangladesh were held here Feb 16-17, a home ministry release said Wednesday.

It said the meetings discussed security and border management issues between the two countries.

"During the meetings, both the countries agreed to enhance cooperation in border management by way of a coordinated border management plan, increased joint patrolling for reducing crimes being committed by criminals and smugglers," the release said.

It said that the two countries agreed on "higher vigil on the border by deployment of troops of Bangladesh in unguarded border areas of Bangladesh, particularly along the borders facing Tripura and Mizoram."

The release said the two countries have also agreed to resolve the issues concerning fishermen drifting inadvertently across the maritime boundaries and, in a gesture of goodwill, started sending back such fishermen with their boats.

The also release said that the Indian delegation appreciated steps taken to act against people carrying fake Indian currency notes and action taken against the "Indian Insurgent Groups" (IIGs) which take shelter in the bordering areas of Bangladesh.

"Both the countries also agreed to act against the criminals engaged in human trafficking from Bangladesh to India and other countries," the release said.

It said that the meetings of deputy commissioners/district magistrates of the districts bordering India and Bangladesh have been resumed after a long time.

"Both the countries have expressed satisfaction over these meetings which have proved very fruitful in resolving local issues immediately without following the long process of referring the matters to the respective central governments," the release said.