Activist seeks enhanced security along border after reports of criminal incidents

TURA, Oct 17: Social activist from South Garo Hills Greneth M Sangma on Thursday sought enhanced security as well as protection for residents and travelers along the Indo-Bangladesh border, following reports of criminal activities that allegedly took place a day earlier.
As per unconfirmed reports circulated on social media on Wednesday, two travelers on bikes were blocked, threatened, and robbed by dacoits from across the border in Bangladesh near the Netri BSF Camp. The perpetrators, armed with daos/knives, took away a bike, leaving the victims shaken. The incident reportedly took place around 2 pm, when the two victims were returning from Baghmara to Tura.
A complaint in this regard has also been filed by Greneth with South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner. “The alarming event highlights the vulnerability of our border areas and the need for immediate action to ensure the protection of our citizens,” he said, in the complaint.
Greneth, in the complaint, sought enhanced presence and effectiveness of the BSF along the border, implementation of regular and compulsory patrolling along the border roads to de criminal activities, organisation of awareness programmes and community meetings to educate residents on safety precautions as well as to encourage cooperation of the people with law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Greneth also claimed that wholesalers were taking advantage of the tense situation in neighbouring Bangladesh and smuggling sugar through Baghmara market, while at the same time seeking strong action from authorities against the activity.
Greneth also demanded an investigation into the wholesalers involved in the smuggling.