Face-off between the BSF and BGB near the Bilbari-Pallathal border prompted heightened security, before the situation was brought under control later in the day
Sribhumi: Tension prevailed along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Sribhumi district on Saturday after an alleged pushback operation triggered a face-off between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the Bilbari-Pallathal sector.
According to reports, BSF personnel moved into the forward belt near the Pallathal area to carry out a pushback operation involving individuals suspected of having entered India illegally. The situation escalated when the BGB allegedly objected to the move and prevented the group from entering Bangladeshi territory.
As news of the operation spread, a large number of people from nearby Bangladeshi border villages reportedly gathered near the zero line carrying sticks, knives, bamboo poles and other makeshift objects in support of the BGB. Eyewitnesses said the crowd grew rapidly, prompting heightened vigilance by security personnel deployed along the border.
Reports further claimed that BGB personnel stationed at the Pallathal Border Outpost repeatedly issued warnings through public address systems, urging the BSF to stop the alleged “illegal pushback” and withdraw from the area. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that the BGB warned of retaliatory action, including opening fire, if the situation escalated further.
Security sources said BSF personnel exercised restraint and continued coordination efforts to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. Additional forces from both sides, along with Assam Police and local civil authorities, were alerted and deployed to stabilise the situation.
No official statement has been issued regarding the number of individuals involved in the alleged pushback operation. By late morning, the situation was reported to be under control, although security remained on high alert and civilian movement in the area continued to be restricted.
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