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Border Force staff begin Christmas walkout

Passengers landing in Britain today face the prospect of long queues as thousands of Border Force begin strike action…reports Asian Lite News

Planes, trains, driving lessons and postal deliveries are set to be disrupted by walkouts in the days before Christmas.

National Highways, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Royal Mail employees are due to take industrial action today.

As they continue their strike into Saturday, they will be joined by rail workers represented by the RMT, Abellio London bus workers, and Environment Agency employees, who will launch separate waves of action.

This follows two days of strikes by NHS staff, as thousands of nurses walked out on Tuesday, and ambulance workers joined picket lines on Wednesday.

Passengers landing in Britain today face the prospect of long queues as thousands of Border Force begin strike action.

More than 250,000 passengers arriving at UK airports have been warned to expect delays amid walkouts from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.

The walkout will affect travellers at Heathrow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester airports, and the port of Newhaven in East Sussex.

The competition watchdog has launched a more in-depth investigation in Hitachi’s proposed purchase of Thales’s rail infrastructure after warning it could lead to higher prices for passengers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) raised concerns over the $1.7bn (£1.5bn) deal among the signalling operators earlier this month.

The CMA said it will launch the thorough phase two probe after the firms said they will not be offering any changes to appease the regulator’s competition concerns.

Britain’s principal customer for mainline signalling, Network Rail, is putting in place a tendering process for its next major signalling procurement.

The Office of Rail and Road found earlier that mainline signalling in Britain was provided by only two suppliers – Alstom and Siemens – and it said that lack of competition could increase operators’ costs with “an adverse knock-on effect on taxpayers and passengers”.

A deal between Hitachi and Thales could eliminate a credible competitor from the new tendering process, it said.

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Defence India News

BSF hands over 4 Bangladeshi national to BGB

According to a report, at least 4,896 Bangladeshi nationals were nabbed while trying to cross into India in between January 1, 2019 to April 28 this year…reports Asian Lite News

The Border Security Force (BSF) handed over four minor Bangladeshi nationals, who entered Indian territory inadvertently, to its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Saturday as a goodwill gesture.

According to the officials of the South Bengal Frontiers in Kolkata, these minors were detained by the BSF troopers once they entered Indian Territory and they did not have any valid documents with them.

On questioning, the minors said that they did not know that they had entered into the Indian side. Later, following a flag meeting, they were handed over to the BGB.

Similarly, on May 2, the BSF handed over the two Bangladeshi nationals to BGB who had crossed the International Border (IB) illegally at Border Out Posts at Ranaghat and Hakimpur under the South Bengal Frontiers. Out of the two, one was a woman who was lured by the touts for better livelihood in India.

According to a report, at least 4,896 Bangladeshi nationals were nabbed while trying to cross into India in between January 1, 2019 to April 28 this year.

The report also said that the maximum number of illegal immigrants entering or leaving India is from the South Bengal Frontiers.

The officials have admitted that the maximum number of illegal immigrants entering or leaving India take place in the southern part of Bengal because of some unfenced parts and riverine borders.

India shares 4,096 km long boundary with Bangladesh, in which South Bengal Frontiers shares nearly 913 km.

Under the South Bengal Frontiers of BSF, around 50 per cent of the border is either unfenced or riverine belt.

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India News

BSF all-women biker team presents thrilling spectacle

Republic Day Parade 2022 showcased India’s military might and cultural diversity and many unique initiatives have been included to mark the celebration of the 75th year of Independence as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’…reports Asian Lite News

During the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, the Border Security Force’s (BSF) Seema Bhawani Motorcycle team put up a stunning display, presenting a salutation to the President.

During the display, the team did a Border Women Salute under Command of Inspector Himanshu Sirohi. Under Command of Sub Inspector Sonia Banwari, Single Kneeling was performed, while Chair Riding was performed under command of constable Anima Kumar. Fish Riding was performed under the command of constable Pushpa with another rider.

Under the command of constable Rajwinder Kaur with another rider, the double back riding was performed, while the opposite direction side riding double was performed under the command of constable Anupam Kumari with one other rider.

Further, the group performed the ladder formation under the command of constable Sangeeta Kumari, and the five women balance was performed under the command of constable Sumita Sikdar with four other riders.

The group then showcased the crown position under the command of constable Anita Rana with six other riders and the bullfighting formation under the command of constable Tulsi Rana and constable Sushma with two other riders.

Abhinandan, Exercise Bar, Gulistan, Aerobic, and the Pyramid formations were also showcased.

Republic Day Parade 2022 showcased India’s military might and cultural diversity and many unique initiatives have been included to mark the celebration of the 75th year of Independence as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Special arrangements have been made keeping in view the current COVID-19 situation. The number of seats for spectators has been significantly reduced and people are being encouraged to register online to witness the live celebrations.

According to the Ministry of Defence, for the first time, an Indian Air Force (IAF) will show grand flypast by 75 aircraft or helicopters.

It has been decided that the Republic Day celebrations will now be week-long from January 23-30 every year. The celebrations will commence on January 23, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and culminate on January, 30 which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.

ALSO READ-R-Day Parade: Fusion of power, culture and diversity

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Most parts of India-B’desh frontiers to be fenced by 2022: BSF

Four northeastern states — Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km), share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh…reports Asian Lite News.

The Indian authorities are trying to complete the border fencing work in most parts between the northeastern states and Bangladesh by next year to fortify the security along the international frontiers, the BSF officials said on Tuesday.

The Border Security Force (BSF) officials, on the eve of the 57th raising day of the para-military force — on Wednesday, said that smuggling of narcotics, cattle, various other contraband, apart from infiltrations are still going on along the India-Bangladesh borders, and the security personnel have successfully controlled these activities to a large extent.

Tripura frontier Inspector General Susanta Kumar Nath said that of the state’s 856 km border with Bangladesh, 67 km of patches still remained unfenced due to various reasons, and these portions would be fenced by next year.

Four northeastern states — Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km), share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh.

According to the data shared by the IPS officer, instances of illegal cross-border infiltrations have increased this year compared to last year.

The BSF in the Tripura frontier has apprehended 208 intruders attempting an illegal crossing of the international border which includes115 Indian Nationals and 93 Bangladeshi against the 131 intruders (85 Indians and 46 Bangladeshis) arrested last year.

Nath said that drugs and contrabands worth around Rs 13 crore have been seized this year.

BSF Meghalaya Frontier Principal Staff Officer D. Haokip said in Shillong that of the 444.8 km-long international border with Bangladesh in Meghalaya, fencing on a 72.2 km stretch in the Khasi Hills region is yet to start due to various reasons including land acquisition issues and riverine problems.

Claiming that cattle smuggling has drastically reduced in the Meghalaya frontier this year, Haokip said 148 people, including 59 Bangladeshis and 86 Indians, have been apprehended for trying to cross the international borders illegally in 2021.

Along the Mizoram and Cachar frontier, the BSF has apprehended 78 Indians, ten Bangladeshi nationals, and a person from Myanmar, this year.

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BSF to continue guarding borders as mandated by govt

The sources in the BSF also said that it has nothing to do with Centre-state politics, and it is bound to follow the government’s order….report Asian Lite News

Following a resolution passed by the West Bengal Assembly against the extension of the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the state, sources in the force said that it is a border guarding force and will continue to guard the borders as mandated by the government.

The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution against the Centre’s move to extend BSF’s jurisdiction to up to 50 km from the international border in the state. The Punjab Assembly had also passed a similar resolution on November 11.

The sources in the BSF also said that it has nothing to do with Centre-state politics, and it is bound to follow the government’s order.

Describing the opposition by West Bengal and Punjab as a sheer “political” move, former BSF DG Prakash Singh recently said that under the new notification, the BSF has been mandated to search and arrest a person or persons only under the Passport Act 1967, Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920 and specified sections of the Criminal Procedure code, which includes any person illegally entering into the Indian territory.

“It is merely an enabling provision aimed at strengthening and complementing the efforts of the state police. In any case, the BSF will have to hand over the accused with the seized consignments to the local police for further investigation. The power to register FIR and investigate the case will remain with the state police,” Singh said earlier, adding that the Punjab government’s claim that half of the state would fall under the jurisdiction of BSF is misleading.

Noting that the controversy created over the October order of the Union Home Ministry as unwarranted, Singh also said that the latest notification is only meant to reinforce the capabilities of the state police in securing the states under Section 139 of the BSF Act that allows the border guarding force to function with certain powers and duties in specified areas, and does not curtail the powers of the state police in any manner.

Reacting to the present resolution passed by the West Bengal Assembly to roll back this order, Constitutional expert Subhas Kashyap said that the Centre has the power to issue such an order under Article 355 of the Constitution.

“The unanimous decision passed by the Bengal Assembly can be challenged by the Union government in the court, as it has the overriding power in case of internal disturbance under Article 355,” Kashyap said, adding that the controversy is just a political move.

The Centre had issued a notification on October 11, extending the jurisdiction of BSF from 15 km from the international border to 50 km in Assam, West Bengal and Punjab.

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Extension of BSF’s jurisdiction evokes mixed response

Terming the Centre’s decision as “infringement” on the rights of the state, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Kunal Ghosh said the MHA decision must be opposed…reports Asian Lite News.

A day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended BSF’s area of operational jurisdiction in three states — Punjab, West Bengal and Assam — within a belt of 50 km from the international borders, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday supported the move, while the CPI-M and the Trinamool Congress strongly opposed it.

As per the MHA order, the Border Security Force (BSF) has now been empowered to take action within a belt of 50 km in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam running along the borders of India. Earlier, the BSF had jurisdiction till only 15 km in these states.

Supporting the MHA decision, Sarma tweeted, “Assam welcomes the extension of BSF’s operational jurisdiction. In coordination with the state police, this move will serve as a strong deterrent to cross-border smuggling and illegal infiltration. It will strengthen national security and national interest.”

However, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the CPI-M in Tripura have strongly opposed the MHA decision.

Terming the Centre’s decision as “infringement” on the rights of the state, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Kunal Ghosh said the MHA decision must be opposed.

“The MHA decision is interference in the states’ affairs through the back door. The Trinamool Congress is looking into the matter with all seriousness. Appropriate comments and reactions on the issue would be communicated,” said Ghosh, who is also the spokesperson of Trinamool.

CPI-M’s Tripura state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that the MHA decision is “unilateral and interference in the federal structure of the country”.

“If the decision to extend the BSF’s operational jurisdiction is necessary for the interest of the country’s security, it should have been discussed in the National Development Council or in an appropriate national platform.

“The Centre’s decision reflects authoritarian mentality. Such unilateral decisions always undermine the states’ constitutional rights,” said Chaudhury, a former MP who is also the member of the CPI-M central committee.

Slamming the Centre for amending Section 139 of the BSF Act to give the force wider jurisdiction and terming it as tantamount to an attack on federalism, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa on Wednesday asked Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the decision.

On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had also condemned the decision, terming it as a “direct attack on federalism”.

The BSF is deployed in five eastern states sharing international borders with Bangladesh — West Bengal (2,216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km).

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READ MORE-Flying object repulsed by BSF in Kashmir

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Flying object repulsed by BSF in Kashmir

Jammu is witnessing an increased drone activity….reports Asian Lite News

The Border Security Force (BSF) troops fired and repulsed a flying object along the international border in the Arnia sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.

“On intervening night of 13/14th July, a blinking red light was observed by own troops in Arnia sector at about 9.52 p.m. at height of 200 metres on own side,” the BSF said.

“Alert troops fired from their position towards red blinking light , due to which it returned back. Area being searched . Nothing found so far.”

Jammu is witnessing an increased drone activity.

On July 2, a quadcopter was repulsed by the BSF in the Arnia sector.

On June 29, drone activities were thwarted by the army troops at Ratnachuk-Kaluchak military area in Jammu. On June 27, there were two bomb blasts at the Jammu airforce station which security agencies suspected were carried out using drones.

Meanwhile, a top commander of the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was among the three killed in an encounter between the terrorists and security forces in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said on Wednesday.

“One more unidentified terrorist killed (Total 03). Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered. Search going on,” said a tweet from the J&K Police.

The police identified the LeT terrorist as Aijaz alias Abu Huraira and said he was from Pakistan. Aijaz was killed along with two local terrorists during the encounter.

The gunfight started in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a joint team of the police and army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of a specific information about the presence of terrorists.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated police and security forces.

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Categories
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Drone intrusion bid foiled at Kashmir border

BSF

The BSF stated that today’s drone intrusion bid foiled by BSF Jammu troops is indicative of alertness and swift retaliatory action by BSF on a drone intrusion from Pak side…reports Asian Lite News

BSF troops in Arnia sector of Jammu district in Jammu and Kashmir foiled a drone intrusion bid by Pakistan on the International Border by firing upon two drones/UAVs that they observed entering from Pakistan side and compelled them to retreat.

An official statement issued by the BSF today said, “Today alert BSF troops in Arnia Sector foiled drone intrusion bid by Pakistan on International Border. During the early morning hours today, two drones/UAV were observed entering from Pakistan side and immediately fired upon by vigilant BSF troops which compelled it to retreat back to Pakistan territory.”

The BSF stated that today’s drone intrusion bid foiled by BSF Jammu troops is indicative of alertness and swift retaliatory action by BSF on a drone intrusion from Pak side.

“The BSF intelligence branch was receiving inputs about possible use of drones by Pakistan for ferrying arms and ammunition from Pakistan into Indian side. Accordingly, the troops are on alert and the border domination was exponentially increased,” the statement said.

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It further said, “Despite the existence of ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, Pakistan Rangers did not stop their nefarious activities against India and carried on with their ill motives on International Border in Jammu.

The BSF stated that it is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Rangers have been regularly violating the International Boundary through drone intrusions and trying to drop arms, ammunition in Indian territory but have been successfully repulsed by BSF troops on border.

It may be recalled that BSF shot down a Pak Hexa-Copter carrying huge cache of arms, ammunition on 20 June 2020 at BOP Pansar, it added. (ANI)

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