Shillong, Nov 26: The BSF and BDR have started an exercise to identify 'vulnerable' patches along the Indo-Bangla border where troops of both the forces would carry out joint patrolling.

As part of the exercise, a flag meeting was held between the sectoral commanders of both the forces near Dalu BOP in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills today.

"The coordination meeting was held to identify some sensitive patches where the proposed joint patrolling would be carried out," BSF DIG Ravi Gandhi said.

He said the move to start joint patrolling was at an advanced stage, and would begin after the sensitive areas along the border were identified.

Today's meeting also decided to hold more such meetings in order to improve the coordination between both the forces to enhance border management.

The patrolling would be done on the identified sensitive patches by both the forces on their side of the border. The move comes in the backdrop of reports of militants, including Muslim fundamentalist elements, using the porous Indo-Bangladesh border to sneak into India to carry out subversive activities.

Trans-shipment of arms and explosives into India, besides cross border crimes like smuggling of cattle and pumping of fake currency into India have often been reported from the Indo-Bangla border areas.

Bureau Report