The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched “Kishan Guard” (guards of farmers), an initiative to improve relations with farmers who reside along the India-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar and help them carry out agricultural activities securely.

At a time when farmers dwelling along the bordering villages of the district have alleged harassment by the force, this contrast scene can be witnessed in certain areas of the border in Mekhliganj sub-division of the district.

“Under the initiative, BSF men were seen accompanying farmers of areas like Bhotbari and Changrabandha to their field through the gates. The jawans stood there for their safety and returned after they finished their day’s work,” said Upendranath Roy, the Trinamul chief of Bhotbari panchayat.

“On a number of occasions, Bangladeshi smugglers snatch cash and harvested crops from the farmers who own land beyond the fences, and even beat them up. They dump different items on agricultural land and intimidate them so that they stay away from their plots to facilitate smuggling. The initiative of the BSF is indeed helping the farmers,” said Choton Biswas, a Trinamul leader of Changrabandha panchayat in Mekhliganj.

A source in the administration said the vigil by the BSF would also curb indulging of a section of farmers in smuggling to make quick bucks.