"The firing has created a sense of insecurity and panic. The act by BDR is condemnable and was intended to create fear psychosis among the people and dislodge them from their habitats," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who moved Union Home Minister P Chidambaram seeking Centre's intervention, told reporters here.
"We have made it abundantly clear that protection of life and property of people living along the international border is essentially the responsibility of the government of India. We asked the Home Minister to take appropriate steps on an urgent basis," he said.
Observing that it was best left to the "wisdom" of the Centre on how best to tackle the situation, Sangma said the state government is taking up the matter with the Centre in the "right perspective". Asked why the BSF did not retaliate even though BDR fired over 3,000 rounds on Tuesday at four places in the state's Jaintia Hills district, Sangma said, "You should ask the BSF. But, I have learnt that the BSF has been given necessary instructions after the incident."
He said magistrates accompanied by other government and BSF officials have been sent to the affected border areas to instill a sense of security among the residents. The chief minister said though there were no formal report of any exodus, there are inputs that people, during night, are taking shelter in safer places and school buildings.
Over 3,000 rounds were fired by BDR towards India along the international border on Tuesday. Indian villagers had gone for cultivation on land held in 'adverse possession' near Noljuri when the BDR fired at them. A school teacher was injured in the incident.
Later, the BDR also fire at Ratangtila, Dawki and Muktapur. BDR had earlier resorted to unprovoked firing four times during February and March.