Zero point fencing along Indo-Bangla border prevents relocation in Tripura

Agartala, Mar 16 (ANI): Bangladesh's decision to allow India to fence the Zero Line is preventing the adhoc relocation of several commercial and residential places in Tripura.

The Mohanpur market area in Tripura is one such area that falls within the 150-yard perimeter of the Indo-Bangladesh border and was about to be relocated.

Similarly many schools and public buildings in several villages also fell within this demarcation. People here were unhappy after being ordered to relocate before the Bangladesh Government allowed India to construct fences on the Zero Line.

"The fencing at the Zero Line has saved our markets and our business has improved. Earlier we could not sleep at night as thieves from Bangladesh use to commit crimes here, but now we feel safe," said Upendra Debnath, a trader from Mohanpur Market.

The fencing has come as a boon for traders and residents as they would have incurred a heavy cost while relocating. It has also reduced illegal trade and border crimes. The fencing or border management between both sides was taken up in effect after the 1974 Indira-Mujibur Pact.

"The fencing has come up at the Zero Line. Illegal trade and cross-border crimes have reduced. We are doing good business. And had the fencing not come up at the zero point, then the markets would have been relocated," said Sujit Modak, another trader, Mohanpur Market. (ANI)