Agartala, January 14 (TIWN): With the rise in trade of legal goods, smuggling of goods will be reduced at the bordering areas in the both countries- India and Bangladesh if the just inaugurated Srinagar ‘border haat’ runs accordingly with the co-operation of local people, said Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.

Speaking in the inaugural ceremony of first ‘border haat’ of Tripura at Srinagar in Sabroom sub-division, he further said, “The Union Government should take proper initiative to resolve the prolonged ‘land dispute’ issues of either sides of India and Bangladesh.”

The Bangladesh Government already initiated step over the issue but the Central Government failed to do so till date, he said. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very keen to solve the land dispute problem. Hence, the Union Minister of Industries and Commerce- Nirmala Sitharaman should also talk to the Prime Minister resolve the problem”, said Sarkar.

 “Sharing of Tista water is another problem for both countries. During the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh, an agreement on Tista water was about to sign but due to some unknown reasons it remained unsigned till date”, said Chief Minister.

Bangladesh will play a crucial role if Act East Policy is implemented. “Tripura could only be the gateway for the entire North Eastern region if gets help from Bangladesh”, he added.

He further urged the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) to keep humanitarian aspect to run the border haat smoothly in spite focusing on gaps in legal views. “If it happens then once this tiny business hub will show the biggest way with more facilities”, he added.

Though, initially the this border haat is allowed to hold business only once (Tuesday) in a week, if local people of both countries provide co-operation, the business day can be increased in future in support of discussion by the governments of both countries, added Chief Minister.