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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
A spokesman for the ministry of external affairs said on Friday evening that firing along the India-Bangladesh border has come to a halt, the Bangladesh troops have withdrawn from the disputed area and status quo ante has been fully restored.
He said he was glad to announce the restoration of status quo ante at the border where 16 Border Security Force personnel and two Bangladesh Rifles soldiers were killed in clashes.
The governments of India and Bangladesh are committed to "a peaceful atmosphere on the border", the spokesman said. "It is well recognised that the long common border between the countries can give rise to problems of border management from time to time."
However, there are "institutional mechanisms in place" to deal with such problems, the spokesman pointed out. Absolving the Bangladesh government of any wrongdoing, the Indian government also termed the conflict as "local adventurism".
"Local adventurism can lead to unfortunate developments like the unwarranted and unprovoked actions by Bangladesh Rifles in Pyrdiwah" in Meghalaya, the spokesman said. Till now the Government of India has not blamed either the Bangladesh government or Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the muddle.
By terming it "local adventurism", the government had made it clear that the blame lies with the local commanders at the border, and not even with the Bangladesh Rifles chief who is perceived as pro-Pakistan in India.
"The consistent approach of the Government of India has been to work together with the government of Bangladesh in defusing any tension that may arise due to such events," the MEA spokesman said.
In a very strained statement, absolving the Bangladesh government of any wrongdoing, the spokesman appreciated "the speed and maturity with which the two governments reacted to resolve the problem within 48 hours though diplomatic channels".
He said it "testifies to the goodwill and understanding between the governments of India and Bangladesh who are determined to address all residual matters relating to the common border through peaceful dialogue."
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