BSF recovers 19 wooden boats along border in Dangar village
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 30: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills on Tuesday lodged a petition with East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, expressing concern over reports of large-scale infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals into Indian territory in Dangar area of Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills.
“We are concerned about how the Bangladeshis are managing to enter Indian territory so freely up to Dangar village. A viral video on social media shows a large number of Bangladeshis entering Indian territory by boat with the intention of stealing boulders from the Dangar river,” said KSU South West Khasi Hills president, Forwardman Nongrem, in the petition.
Nongrem highlighted that these infiltrations reportedly occur at least three times a week, often under the cover of night. He suggested that beyond stealing boulders, there is a suspicion that the infiltrators may aim to settle in various parts of the state.
The KSU president also raised doubts about the efficacy of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the international border, alleging that they failed to act despite witnessing the infiltrations.
Nongrem urged the Deputy Commissioner to take prompt action to address the situation, stating that the entry of Bangladeshi nationals has created a sense of insecurity among local villagers.
“We request the district administration to act immediately before any untoward incident occurs,” Nongrem added.
Wooden boats
Against the backdrop of suspicion that Meghalaya is witnessing an influx of immigrants, the 193rd battalion of BSF on Monday seized 19 wooden boats from Bangladesh on Jadukta river near Ghumaghat, suspected to be brought by smugglers who were attempting to cross into Indian territory for collection of boulders and sand.
In a statement, the BSF stated that the swift and efficient action by the force thwarted illegal activities and ensured the security of the border region.
It also mentioned that Bangladeshi miscreants often attempt to sneak into Indian territory through riverine areas to steal stone and sand. The BSF has lodged a protest with its Bangladesh counterpart, the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) regarding the illegal activities by Bangladeshi nationals in Indian territory.
The seized boats have been taken into custody for further handover to the Customs office in Dangar, East Khasi Hills.
It may also be noted that in a bid to maintain peace and tranquility along the Indo-Bangladesh border, a battalion commandant-level meeting was held on Monday, between the BSF and BGB to discuss issues related to enhancing border domination and vigilance.
Additionally, simultaneous patrolling systems were coordinated, especially in vulnerable areas. All these measures are going to impact the border domination, the BSF said.