SHILLONG: BSF Inspector General of Meghalaya Frontier P.K Dubey said on Friday the single-row fencing along the Indo-Bangla border will be done in a way so that none of the residents are forced to shift their houses.
Dubey asserted that land acquisition for the remaining stretch of 80km fencing has started. In many areas, fencing will be as close as 10-15m from the zero line, he said.
When asked about BGB stopping residents of Muktapur from repairing their houses which are located within 150 yards of the zero line, Dubey said the Geneva Convention mandates that people living in the area should seek permission from BGB before going for any construction.
He added that even BSF objects to construction or activities within 150 yards of the border line.
“During the modification of alignment in Muktapur, BGB wanted some houses to be shifted to the Indian side but BSF made it clear that no house will be shifted,” Dubey said.
The IG said BSF has asked BGB to expedite the process of verification of Bangladeshis who often cross over to India. “The process takes time and as a result Bangladeshis who are arrested while crossing over to India keep on languishing in our jails,” he added.
In the recently concluded meeting, both BSF and BGB discussed a series of issues, including trans-border crime, smuggling of fake notes and contraband as well as cattle. “We have decided to go for joint border patrolling in sensitive BOPs which will be identified accordingly,” Dubey said.
