SHILLONG: The state government is in the process of sanctioning land for Indo-Bangla border fencing.
Speaking to The Shillong Times here on Friday, BSF Meghalaya Inspector General PK Dubey said BSF has to deposit money with the government for the land.
Stating that fencing of the Indo-Bangla border will enhance security in the state, including Shillong, Dubey added that the state government is in the process of finalising land acquisition.
He added that fencing is almost completed in the 443-km long Indo-Bangla border except for 90 km of border in East Khasi Hills that needs to be fenced.
It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court is personally monitoring the Indo-Bangla border fencing in Assam and Meghalaya and the Apex Court has set a deadline of 2019 to complete land acquisition.
Few months back, a survey was also conducted for the Indo-Bangla border.
In addition, BSF is also using its own generator to use floodlights along the border and they are waiting for power supply from the state government to light up the border at night.
The Bangladesh border in Meghalaya is prone to smuggling of cattle and contraband, besides intrusions of illegal immigrants.
The central government’s decision to construct fence 150 yards inside the zero line is being opposed by land owners and pressure groups who are demanding that the fence should come up on the zero line to prevent loss of arable land.
