Tension flares at India-Bangladesh border amid farmer dispute
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Malda district in West Bengal witnessed tension on Saturday, January 18, following a clash between Indian and Bangladeshi farmers at the Shukdebpur area near the 119th Battalion's India-Bangladesh border outpost. The altercation, which erupted over a farming dispute, quickly escalated, drawing intervention from border security forces on both sides.
The conflict began when a group of Indian farmers ventured near the border to harvest their crops. They accused Bangladeshi farmers of crossing into Indian territory and harvesting wheat from their fields, sparking a confrontation. In response, Bangladeshi farmers alleged that Indian farmers had entered the Shibganj area, causing damage to crops and cutting down trees, which fueled the dispute, The Wire report said.
Shukdebpur, located under the Baishnabnagar police station, has been a hotspot for land disputes for over a year. Despite being fenced, a 1,200-meter stretch near the village remains unfenced due to ongoing disagreements. This open area has been a point of contention since early 2024 when the Border Security Force (BSF) initiated work to fill the land for fencing. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the fencing, leading to discussions and a subsequent suspension of the work.
Residents of Shukdebpur have reported ongoing issues related to the unfenced stretch, including allegations of crop theft by miscreants crossing from the Bangladesh side. Tensions escalated further when a video surfaced showing individuals near the barbed-wire fence shouting provocative slogans. Local farmers expressed fear and frustration over the alleged ease with which Bangladeshi individuals could enter India, compared to the stringent regulations faced by Indian farmers.
On the morning of the clash, large groups of farmers from both sides gathered at the border, engaging in verbal disputes that soon turned violent. Stone-pelting ensued, and the light fencing in the area proved ineffective in preventing the escalation. BSF and BGB personnel rushed to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Despite their efforts, the confrontation resulted in injuries to two BSF personnel and several villagers. To disperse the crowd, the BSF had to deploy stun grenades.
In the aftermath of the incident, the BSF urged Indian farmers to avoid direct confrontations and report any disputes to the authorities. Efforts were made by both BSF and BGB commanders to improve coordination and prevent future incidents. By Sunday evening, reports indicated that a few Bangladeshi individuals remained near the border, prompting continuous removal efforts by the BGB.