Investigate “Trigger Happy” Indian Force's Torture at Bangladesh Border: HRW
Milli Gazette
10 Feb 2021
New York (9 Feb 2021): Indian authorities should investigate and prosecute newly alleged abuses by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh border, Human Rights Watch said today. Ten years ago, the Indian government announced, following publication of a Human Rights Watch report on the issue, “Trigger Happy,” that it would order the BSF to use restraint and rubber bullets, instead of more lethal ammunition, against irregular border-crossers.
Indian and Bangladeshi nongovernmental organizations have reported that the BSF is continuing to commit abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and ill-treatment of both Indian and Bangladeshi border residents. Indian border guards, deployed to prevent cattle rustling, smuggling, and illegal crossings, say they use force only when they come under attack.