JOWAI, May 17: Headman of six border areas villages in East Jaintia Hills on Tuesday petitioned the Deputy Commissioner for the removal of the BSF troops from NH-6 in two locations, viz. Sonapyrdi and Ratacchera villages.
In a letter to the DC, the headmen of the villages of Umkiang, Dona Skur, Dona Umbluh, Lumphyllut, Kuliang and Pyrtakuna said that the BSF had set up check posts in the two villages without the consent and knowledge of the village authority.
They also said that despite numerous demands for the removal of the BSF troops, they continue to operate the check posts.
It was alleged that people are furious about the presence of BSF troops along the highway due to alleged harassment caused by the BSF personnel to the public, particularly at Sonapyrdi.
These BSF personnel have gone from house to house checking at different locations of Umkiang village and many times take photographs of the godown of the people, the complainants said.
It may be mentioned the district administration had earlier issued an order to remove the BSF but to no avail.
The headmen have, meanwhile, urged that the BSF personnel be posted along the border and not on the highway.