SHILLONG, May 11: Welcoming the imposition of a night curfew along the international border with Bangladesh, the Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) has urged the West Jaintia Hills administration to take appropriate measures in response to the prevailing situation in the country.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, JSM secretary Roitre Dkhar called on the administration to ensure the stability of prices for essential commodities. He urged authorities to prevent hoarding, black marketing, or the artificial creation of shortages by wholesalers, distributors, or retailers seeking to exploit the situation.
Dkhar also requested the administration to ensure sufficient stocks of medicines and medical supplies at all Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and the Civil Hospital. He emphasized the importance of assessing the condition of ambulances to ensure readiness for emergencies.
Additionally, he urged that all doctors, nurses, and healthcare personnel remain stationed at their designated postings during this period. The JSM further appealed to the district administration to consider temporarily closing schools located near the international border if the national situation worsens.
Dkhar underscored the need for strict vigilance along the border to prevent illegal infiltration from Bangladesh into Meghalaya. He suggested the establishment of temporary police camps along the Indo-Bangladesh border, supported by armed police and central security forces He also proposed setting up a 24/7 helpline for residents to report infiltration or any suspicious activity near the border.
Furthermore, Dkhar stressed the need to prevent disruptions in petrol and diesel supply within the district.