Shillong: A high-level meeting between the Meghalaya government and BSF Inspector General (IG) took place on Tuesday following allegations of high-handedness by BSF towards a veterinary officer in Meghalaya’s Muktapur village, Amlarem Sub Division.
Both parties have agreed to form a coordination committee involving the police, civil administration, and BSF at the Sub Divisional level in various parts of the state.
The allegations were made by Dr Seiboklang Buam, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer of Muktapur veterinary dispensary. Dr. Buam claimed he was harassed by BSF troopers at Lakroh Shiv Mandir, Hawai Tilla, West Jaiñtia Hills, on Sunday afternoon.
He stated that he was stopped by two BSF troopers while on his way to fish, and when he began recording the incident with his mobile phone, the BSF personnel allegedly snatched it from him, asked him to strip, and threatened him with physical harm.
BSF IG will conduct an inquiry into the allegations, and during the meeting, it was decided that a coordination committee, headed by the Sub Divisional Officer, will be formed. This committee will hold monthly meetings with community leaders to strengthen trust and understanding between border village residents and BSF. The committee will include the SDPO and company commander of BSF as members.
DGP LR Bishnoi stated that the home minister called for the meeting to discuss the unfortunate incident at Muktapur and past incidents of a similar nature. The coordination committee aims to prevent misunderstandings, and if any arise, the BSF company commander or local officer will inform the nearby police station immediately to avoid escalation until local police arrive.
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BSF IG MS Dhillon mentioned that the incident at the border has been amicably resolved and is considered unfortunate. Regarding potential actions against the BSF personnel, Dhillon assured that they are investigating the issue, taking into account the discipline, motivation, and sensitivity of the area. Dhillon’s statement aligns with the resolution of the matter during the meeting.
However, earlier, the BSF PRO issued a statement refuting the allegations, calling them entirely false and misleading propaganda against the BSF troops. DGP Bishnoi mentioned that once the BSF IG submits the inquiry inputs, further actions will be considered.
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