Border killing: India urged to halt violent actions against innocent civilians
The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemned the tragic killing of 14-year-old Swarna Das, a schoolgirl who was fatally shot by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on 1 September at the Lalarchak border area of Sharifpur Union, Kulaura, Moulvibazar.
In a statement on Saturday (7 September), the JMBF called upon the government of India to immediately halt these unlawful and violent actions against innocent civilians.
The JMBF said it 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 an innocent life and injuries to others, it said in a statement.
Swarna was attempting to cross the border with her mother to visit her brother in Tripura, India, when she was tragically killed, the JMBF added.
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, said, “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.”
The JMBF called upon the government of India to immediately halt these unlawful and violent actions against innocent civilians.
