Dhaka to launch probe

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, APRIL 21. Bangladesh will soon launch an investigation into New Delhi's allegations of mutilation of the bodies of BSF personnel handed over to Indian authorities late last night. ``We will launch an intensive investigation into the allegations,'' the Foreign Secretary, Syed Moazzem Ali, said while briefing reporters on the efforts to restore peace on the border.

Confirming that the Government had received a protest from New Delhi, he said he was aware of the concern of the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, concern over the issue. ``Our reply would be reflective of his concern,'' Mr. Ali said.

The Foreign Secretary, however, did not dismiss the allegations outright, and said such incidents were not unusual when a mob assaulted intruders. ``If the allegation is true, it is a heinous action.'' Meanwhile, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Mr. Mostafa Farooque Mahmud, told a western news agency, ``We are trying to defuse this situation from escalating... The two Governments are in constant touch over the unfortunate incident.''

Mr. Ali said the red alert on the border was being relaxed with constant links between the BDR and their BSF counterparts after a complete ceasefire was enforced yesterday. The sector commander of Mymensingh held a ``cordial meeting'' with the DIG of the BSF based in Guwahati in Kamalpur.

The two sides agreed to hold frequent meetings, issue directives to the border outposts and hold flag meetings whenever necessary. Reports from the border areas said people who had fled their homes following the clashes had begun returning.

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