SHILLONG, Jan 19: With a significant portion of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya remaining unfenced there is a growing concern over illegal infiltration from the neighbouring country.
At the heart of the issue lies a disagreement over where the border fencing should be constructed. Locals and groups advocate for the fence to be erected directly along the Zero Line, which marks the actual boundary between the two nations.
However, under the 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Agreement, no permanent structures can be built within 150 meters of the international border on either side. This provision has been interpreted to mean that India must construct its border fence 150 meters inside its own territory.
However, there are concerns about the fencing’s alignment because, in some areas, it crosses over into agricultural and farming land, which is why some villages are against it.
This discrepancy has led to a stalemate, leaving several stretches of the border, particularly in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, without any fencing.
Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for consensus.
“We cannot bulldoze people; we want to bring them on board and work with the Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve this matter,” Sangma said.
However, despite efforts, the state government is yet to make a breakthrough.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has repeatedly urged the state government to expedite the fencing process. The BSF authorities have highlighted the vulnerabilities along the 443-km Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya, with over 50-70 km still unfenced.
The unfenced stretches pose significant security risks, especially with reports of increased illegal infiltration in recent months due to the volatile situation in Bangladesh.
Instances of Bangladeshi nationals being apprehended while attempting to enter Meghalaya illegally have heightened concerns about border management.
While the government grapples with the challenges of balancing local concerns and international agreements, the lack of fencing continues to expose Meghalaya to security and infiltration risks.
Collaborative efforts between the state government, local communities, and the Ministry of Home Affairs are essential to finding a viable solution to this long-standing issue.
The state government, on its part, has urged the BSF to maintain extra vigil to thwart any infiltration bid from Bangladesh side.
