Editorial
No more border killings
Let us hope that BSF upholds its pledge
We are very encouraged by at the assurance given by the head of the BSF that it would have zero tolerance for human rights violations against Bangladeshis on the border and that it would put an end to BSF shootings of Bangladeshis. We would like to hope that we will now see a dramatic reduction in such incidents.
The severity of the crisis can be gauged by the fact that no fewer than five Bangladeshis were shot dead by BSF even while the recently concluded high-level BSF-BDR talks were on-going.
These shootings suggested that stopping border killings was not any kind of priority for the BSF, and the fact that they are now officially a priority will, we hope, have a salutary effect on the situation.
Among important factors that threaten harmonious relations between Bangladesh and India, and sows the seed of mistrust, it is these border killings. There can be no justification for the shooting down of Bangladeshi citizens in cold blood, and this has done considerable harm to India's image. Similarly, if BSF is successful in curbing the killings, it would do a great deal to boost India's image.
One point of reservation: we are not sure what is meant by the statement that innocent Bangladeshis will not be killed. In the first place, we are not sure how the BSF patrols can differentiate between innocent people and criminals. In the second place, even if those apprehended are smugglers or criminals, there is no justification for killing or otherwise abusing them. Due process must be followed and the rights of all respected. We would like to see no killings and no abuses, regardless of the innocence or otherwise of the party involved.
Pledges are easy to make; the proof of the pudding is in the eating. However, this statement is a very good first step. We are very gratified that it has been made and have full confidence that it will be upheld.
We look forward to no more border deaths between now and the end of the year. Let there be zero tolerance for killings and abuses, and let there be zero killings between now and year's end. This is an achievable goal and will go a long way to helping restore mutual confidence.
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