Controversy as BSF Debates Snakes, Crocodiles for Bangladesh Border Security

Bangla Press Desk:  India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is reportedly divided over a proposal to deploy crocodiles and snakes in unfenced riverine stretches along the Bangladesh border to deter “infiltration and smuggling”.

Many senior BSF officials, both former and incumbent, have called the move “controversial and unconventional”, according to The Telegraph.

Former BSF director general Prakash Singh called the plan “silly”, warning it could endanger civilians living near the border.

“How would crocodiles and snakes differentiate between Bangladeshis and Indians living close to the zero line of the international border? I don't know who has floated this proposal… It is a silly idea,” he was quoted as saying.

Out of the 4,096km border between the two nations, nearly 175km consists of rivers and marshy terrain, where it has been difficult to curb infiltration, smuggling and other illegal activities. India has already fenced 3,240km.

The report said the proposal has emerged amid intensified election campaigning in West Bengal, with the BJP alleging an “alarming demographic shift” in the state under the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP has also been highlighting concerns over alleged Bangladeshi “infiltrators” entering India through West Bengal and spreading across the country, the report says.

Sources in the BSF told The Telegraph that the idea was mooted by the Indian home ministry recently, which directed senior officials of the force to explore its feasibility to prevent infiltration in riverine and marshy areas along the border.

“Even senior BSF officials are divided over this deployment of reptiles in the treacherous terrains, including the riverine and marshy stretches,” an official told the newspaper requesting anonymity.

“Some officials opposed the idea, citing grave safety risks to civilians living along the bordering areas, especially during floods,” he said, adding that another meeting will discuss the issue next week.

According to the BSF official, the proposal is at the discussion stage and nothing has been finalised as yet.

Another official criticised the proposal as outdated, arguing it contrasts with plans to introduce an AI-based border monitoring system.

“Doesn’t it look so archaic when we are using sophisticated modern tools to safeguard the frontier? I am not sure whether the proposal will yield the desired result,” he argued.