Now chilli bombs to help BSF combat infiltration

After trying to stop infiltration and other trans-border crimes from other side of the border with sophisticated weapons and 24X7 patrolling, the Border Security Force (BSF) has found an effective method these days to deal with the criminals and suspected Bangladeshi nationals trying to infiltrate this side.

The stun grenades or chilli bombs, used by the BSF along the Indo-Bangla border, have proved very effective in curbing trans-border crimes and the infiltration of illegal migrants, said a senior official of the premiere force guarding the porous border.

A stun grenade is a non-lethal explosive device used to disorient an enemy’s senses temporarily. It produces a blinding flash of light and loud noise without causing any permanent damage. The explosion causes temporary loss of hearing, and disturbs the fluid in the ear, causing loss of balance.

The force, which has been using the new tactics for about last one year, has found it to be very effective compared to other weapons. “By adopting this tactics, we have nabbed 127 people, including infiltrators and criminals in last one year,” said a senior official of the BSF while adding that the stun grenades were being used primarily to check trans-border crimes, particularly the smuggling of cattle from India to Bangladesh.

“The stun grenades are like tear gas shells. They have a very stunning effect but they don’t kill anyone. Once a person comes under the impact of a stun grenade blast, the resultant smoke gives him an irritation, making him blind temporarily, say for half an hour,” said the official.

Although the force guarding the vital international border is expected to use lethal weapons, yet it has been instructed to use non-lethal weapons like the stun grenade keeping in view the improved relationship between the two countries for last few years.

Assam shares a total of 272 kms long international border with Bangladesh out of which about 50 kms is riverine border. The BSF has been guarding the Indo-Bangla border, most of which are still porous.
“Smuggling of cattle and fake Indian currency notes (FICN) are the two main items that keeps the force busy along the Indo-Bangla border, besides infiltration attempts by suspected Bangladeshi nationals,” said the official.

According to BSF sources, fake Indian currency notes to the tune of Rs.50 lakh are being smuggled into India from across the border everyday.
It is perceived that the thriving cattle smuggling as well as the infiltration of illegal migrants would come to a halt once the border is fenced entirely.