Meghalaya Urges MHA for Closer Border Fencing to Secure Villages

Shillong, Aug 14 (PTI): The Meghalaya government is urging the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to negotiate with Bangladesh to allow border fencing closer to the international boundary. This initiative aims to secure a 40 km unfenced stretch without leaving villages out of the protected area, as stated by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.

International norms mandate border fencing to be constructed 150 yards inside a country's territory. However, in Meghalaya, this practice could potentially leave several villages in a "no man's land," compromising their safety, according to Tynsong.

"We have approached the MHA, urging it to persuade the Bangladesh government to permit fencing near the main border pillars to avoid isolating villages," Tynsong conveyed to PTI.

Holding an important meeting with top Home department officials, Tynsong, who also serves as Home Minister, reviewed border security measures following a recent infiltration attempt and subsequent arrests of Bangladeshi nationals.

According to the Deputy CM, this strategy aims to protect villages without risking their security. He highlighted that several communities within the unfenced 40 km stretch would remain vulnerable under current international fencing norms.

The push for closer fencing was partly prompted by an incident in Rongdangai village, where six armed gang members, including a Bangladeshi police constable, allegedly crossed into Indian territory, assaulted a shopkeeper, and looted cash and valuables.

Tynsong has instructed all deputy commissioners and police superintendents to adopt proactive measures against infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border, spanning from East Jaintia Hills to Dalu in Garo Hills.

As part of these efforts, joint operations by the Border Security Force, Meghalaya Police, and Village Defence Parties (VDPs) have been launched to secure possible exit routes and root out any gang members still hiding in Indian territory.

"We remain vigilant, and I am confident our police will apprehend or repel infiltrators," Tynsong assured.

The state government has already filed a report with the MHA regarding the recent arrests. "According to police reports, the case involves criminal activities aimed at theft, with no further implications," he noted.

He added that a prime suspect believed to have thrown explosives during the incident has escaped back to Bangladesh. "It seems he has crossed back into Bangladesh, but our police and BSF are committed to capturing him to face charges here," Tynsong stated.

In response to the BSF's "operation alert" along the India-Bangladesh border, Tynsong announced that the state government has adopted similar measures. "Both our police and the BSF are actively engaged, and I am confident that through close coordination, we will address these challenges effectively," he added.

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