By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, there have been multiple detections of Bangladeshi Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Sohra and Shella in Meghalaya. This development has intensified security concerns along the 443 km Meghalaya section of the India-Bangladesh border, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The UAVs have been observed flying just north of Chhatak and Sunamganj in Bangladesh, close to the zero line, which has prompted Indian security forces to increase their vigilance.
One UAV, identified with the transponder code TB2R1071, is believed to have been operated from Bangladesh’s Tejgaon Airbase. The Indian Air Force (IAF) radar confirmed this activity, according to BSF officials. Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang stated that the issue has been addressed with both BSF and IAF, although specific follow-up actions remain undisclosed. A BSF spokesperson explained the difficulty in visually detecting these high-altitude drones, emphasizing the need for electronic systems like radar to intercept or identify them. The BSF lacks the necessary equipment to counter these UAVs, leaving the IAF to engage with Bangladeshi authorities on the matter.
This incident occurred as Canadian musician Bryan Adams performed in Shillong and coincides with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka, highlighting the significance of the timings. Comparable UAV movements have also been spotted near the Bangladeshi borders with southern Tripura, western Mizoram, and West Bengal.
The presence of these UAVs has prompted Indian security agencies to bolster their measures and consider diplomatic channels for addressing the issue with Bangladesh. The lack of an IAF public relations officer in Shillong further complicates communication, though efforts are underway to ensure the region’s security and stability.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/12/15/bdeshi-drones-near-sohra-shella-border-raise-concerns/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2024-12-15 02:01:00
