January 28: The 19th border districts coordination meeting between the Royal Government of Bhutan and state government of West Bengal, India began today. It is being held at the Druk Hotel in Thimphu.

The Bhutanese delegation is being led by the Director of Bureau of Law and Order Karma Tshering Namgyel and the Indian delegation is being led by the Divisional Commissioner of Jalpaiguri Division, B.L. Meena.

The meeting discussed issues including the strengthening of the security arrangement along the Bhutan-India border. They also exchanged and shared information on the present security situation along the border.

The two sides also reviewed the progress of activities to mitigate the adverse effects of dolomite mining in the southern foothills.

They also discussed issues like poaching, smuggling of forest products and illegal felling of trees on both sides of the border and measures to check these illegal activities. Tomorrow the two sides will sign the minutes of the meeting.

Over 15 officials including a seven member delegation from West Bengal are attending the meeting.