By Sabyasachi Sharma

Guwahati : Shocking but true. Border residents in Karimganj District of Barak Valley are opting for Bangladeshi SIMs. As per the source, annoyed with the poor mobile network connectivity of Indian telecommunication companies, the locals residing of India along the Indo-Bangla border in Karimganj district are “secretly” using Bangladeshi SIM cards. Karimganj district administration sources shared that Bangladeshi SIMs are easily available and comes in cheaper rates. The district is located in Central Assam and borders Tripura and the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. As per information received from the source of Karimganj district administration that the SIM cards are sold during border haats (Market) by the Bangladeshi nationals and the district is close to Bangladesh. Although there is no official proof about the usage of Bangladeshi SIMs, it is true that the network of Indian telecommunications is extremely weak along the bordering areas. SIM cards of Bangladesh Airtel, Grameen Telecom, Grameenphone and so on are quite a hit among the Karimganj locals. The source further said that the Sutarkandi trade centre in Karimganj district, along the Indo-Bangladesh border is one such place where people from both the countries ensemble and the Bangladeshi nationals try to sell the SIM cards among the locals. But it cannot be traced as it is being operated by a small group. In the mean time, the Kamrimganj police sources informed that it will initiate an investigation into the matter. Police already started the investigation process. Karimganj district administration has also going to look after the matter. Local residents urged the Central Government for the strict action in this matter.