Tripura Governor expresses concern over cross border terrorism

Agartala, Aug 27 (PTI) Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy hasexpressed concern over cross border terrorists from Bangladeshseeking safe haven in West Bengal and urged for furtherstrengthening of bilateral ties through sharing of riverwaters. Pointing out that as a lower riparian country, Bangladesh,should get its due share of water to further strengthenbilateral relation with the neighbouring country, Roy said,"Five rivers including Sutlej, Chenab flow from India toPakistan and despite deterioration of our relation with thecountry, India has not stopped sharing water." "So, India cannot deny sharing of water with the lowerriparian country, Bangladesh. Let this irritant be removed,"Roy said last evening after inaugurating a conclave,"Cross-Border Terrorism in Bangladesh: Implications forIndia’s Border States," organized by a news portal here. He said the visa system between Bangladesh and Indiashould be simplified and he has taken up the matter with thecentral government. Roy, a former leader of BJP in West Bengal, said, "Nearlyhalf of the border of Bangladesh is with West Bengal and manyterrorists from the country are using the state as theirsanctuary. It is alarming." A B Mathur, former Chief of Research and Analytical Wing(RAW) said, "Pakistan is the source of terrorism inSouth-Asia. Army and ISI rule the country in the real senseand sponsor terrorism. Army is funding and encouragingterrorism." Expressing his gratitude to Bangladesh Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina, Mathur said, "She is fighting against terrorismin her country and did not allow insurgents of north easternregion of our country to use the soil of her country. Ifterrorism grows in Bangladesh, it is also a matter of deepconcern for us." Director of NSI, Bangladesh, Nurul Absar said, "Ourcountry follows the principle of zero tolerance towardsterrorism. It is presumed that different terrorist groups inour country are trying to regroup and our government isalert." He said terrorist groups made an attempt on the life ofPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2004 because she was againstterrorism. Absar said, "Bangladesh is not Pakistan or Syria. Ourpeople are influenced by the Sufi thoughts, so it would notbe possible for the terrorists to find solid ground in ourcountry. Country would overcome the menace of terrorism." He also attached importance on sharing of informationregarding activities of the terrorists so that both thecountries could act against them. PTI JOY CRMNG