India urged to halt border violence against civilians

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed its deep concern and strong protest over the tragic killing of 14-year-old Swarna Das, a schoolgirl who was fatally shot by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on the night of September 1 at the Lalarchak border area of Sharifpur Union, Kulaura, Moulvibazar.

JMBF, in a statement on Saturday, called upon the government of India to immediately halt these unlawful and violent actions against innocent civilians.

JMBF believes that the killing of young Swarna by indiscriminate gunfire is a gross violation of human rights and international norms.

The excessive use of force by the BSF is both unjustifiable and inexcusable, resulting in the loss of innocent life and injuries to others, it said in a statement.

JMBF asserts that Swarna, a bright student, was attempting to cross the border with her mother to visit her brother in Tripura, India when she was tragically killed.

Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said this incident is a shocking violation of human rights.

“No border security measure should involve the killing of innocent civilians, especially children. We urge the international community to join us in condemning these inhumane actions and pressing for justice for the victims and their families.”

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, added: “Incidents of border killings are both undesirable and unjustified……the Indian authorities must ensure that their border forces respect human dignity and operate within the bounds of the law.”

JMBF called upon the government of India to immediately halt these unlawful and violent actions against innocent civilians.