The navy today expressed concern at the unchecked entry of Bangladeshi ships into the Indian waters and said it has asked the customs to set up a check point at Behari Khal in West Bengal's South 24-Parganas district, from where the ships entered.
"Bangladeshi ships enter India through Bihari Khal and sail for 160 km to Diamond Harbour where they are checked by the customs. We have taken up the matter with the Customs and have requested them to set up a check point at Behari Khal," naval officer in charge of West Bengal Cmdr BA Thomas said.
Pointing that nearly eight Bangladeshi ships crossed Behari Khal daily, Thomas said there was always a possibility of these ships landing unauthorised persons on the Indian territory between Bihari Khal and Diamond Harbour.
"We have been informed by the Customs that they have a staff shortage at present, but they have assured us that they would set up a check point at Bihar Khal soon," he said.
Describing the West Bengal coastline as very porus, Thomas, who took over as the state's NOIC yesterday, said his immediate priority would be to enhance seafront security.
Thomas said that in keeping with the suggestion of the navy, the West Bengal government was recruiting retired navy and Coast Guard personnel to address the problem of trained manpower for the state's Marine police wing.
