The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Para-military Bangladesh Rifles have been put on red alert with reinforcements along border areas in Naikhongchhari upazila as tension mounted there following continieous efforts by Myanmar to explore gas in Bangladesh's water territory.

The local UNO told newsmen that BDR jawans have been put on alert in Rezu, Chakdhala, Asadtali, Fultali, Lebuchhari, Dhumdhum, Amtali, Tamru and Ukhia border areas. BDR have taken position in schools of the areas.

Besides, Army has also sent in reinforcements to the areas, sources said.

On the other hand, Myanmar also reinforced troops along the border between the two countries after talks over disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal failed in Yangon.

The Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) said Myanmar had started reinforcing troops at strategic points along the 320 km border, partly demarcated by the River Naf.

BDR also alerted people living in the border areas to leave their homes when the situation warranted. The dispute surfaced after Myanmar started oil and gas exploration last week in a stretch of the sea both countries claim.

Bangladesh deployed naval ships to the area and simultaneously sent a diplomatic team to Yangon seeking to solve the issue through negotiations.

Myanmar on Thursday last rejected a demand by Bangladesh to stop new oil and gas exploration in contested Bay of Bengal waters. In a government statement on official radio and television Myanmar termed Dhaka's demand "unlawful and wrongful," and said the exploration will continue.

It was the first official Myanmar response to tension that flared earlier this week over the disputed waters.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday told newsmen that the government will take appropriate measures if there is any threat to country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said the government has apprised the matter to China and Korea. "Korea's Daewoo has already dismantled the installation which the Korean government informed us," Dr Iftekhar said.

Several organisations have urged the government to stop aggression of Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. The Coalition of Local NGOs, Bangladesh yesterday at a human chain in Muktangon in the city urged the government as well as people to come forward to stop the aggression to protect sovereignty.