Won’t allow firings between BSF and BDR to recur, P Chidambaram tells DD Lapang

Union home minister P Chidambaram today assured Meghalaya chief minister D D Lapang that the Centre would not allow incidents of firing between Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) to recur.Lapang, who called on Chidambaram in New Delhi today, discussed the recent incidents of firing by BDR and BSF alongthe border in Meghalaya and raised concerns of the civilianpopulation living in the area, an official statement heresaid.Asserting that the land at Muktapur, which BDR has beenclaiming, has been with India since decades, Lapang said thecordial atmosphere prevailing between New Delhi and Dhakashould not be disturbed by such incidents."The Union home minister informed that he has already taken up the matter with concerned authorities and assured that such incidents will not be allowed to recur," the statement said.Lapang also apprised the home minister of the outcome of yesterday’s talks between the banned Achik National VolunteersCouncil and Centre’s interlocutor P C Haldar.While Chidambaram was of the view that there have been instances during the current ceasefire that "do not conform tothe conditions laid", the Home Minister said the Centre wouldlike to continue the talks and work for rehabilitation provided peace and law and order were strictly maintained.The home minister also asked Lapang to convey formal viewsof the state government in the matter of extension of ceasefire with the outfit.