Kolkata: Unlike previous years, the immersion of Durga idols at Ichhamati river in North 24 Parganas district failed to unite India and Bangladesh this time because of restrictions by the BSF.
Only one boat from Sahidpur under Taki area was found to carry a Durga idol for immersion while very few boats carrying Durga idol for immersion were found on Bangladesh side, police sources said.
In previous years, Durga idols were brought in country boats and mechanised vessels from Satkhira in Bangladesh and Hasnabad in India`s North 24-Parganas district for immersion in the river which divides the two countries.
BSF and BGB, the border guards of India and Bangladesh, supervise the immersion ceremony every year by patrolling the river.
Immersion of Durga idols in Ichhamati is organised by both the countries every year amidst relaxed restrictions to facilitate people of the two neighbouring countries to mingle with each other freely during the immersion ceremony.
But panicked over some mishaps in Ichhamati on the occasion last year, the local citizen`s forum had lodged complaints against infiltration of many people during the occasion and wanted to stop such a celebration and they even wrote to the President for steps in this regard.
Speaking about the complaint, Additional Director General of the BSF B D Sharma told PTI that the border guards cannot allow illegal immigration.
"International law can`t be violated and also we can`t allow gathering of such a huge number of people from other side. Let them enjoy in their side and our people in our side amidst strict vigil by border guards," Sharma said.
PTI
