By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 27: Expressing concerns over the porous stretches of the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, Mawsynram MLA Ollan Sing Suin on Wednesday urged the Border Security Force (BSF) as well as state and central government authorities to take immediate “corrective measures” to prevent infiltration.
Speaking to reporters, Suin said there are several stretches where the fencing has been either damaged or it has remained incomplete. He said these stretches, coupled with the presence of riverine routes and nullahs, make infiltration easier.
He described the situation as “threatening” and warned that if not addressed urgently, it could pose security, demographic and law-and-order challenges for Meghalaya.
The MLA said he had recently held discussions with the Inspector General of BSF on the matter. Following the meeting, he said, directions were issued to company commanders posted along the border to intensify vigil and surveillance in the most vulnerable patches.
According to him, while BSF personnel are doing their best under challenging conditions, proper fencing and plugging of gaps are the only long-term solution.
Suin said a large number of Bangladeshis are attempting to enter India through Meghalaya due to the prevailing socio-political and economic situation in the neighbouring country.
Infiltration attempts through Meghalaya have increased manifold in the past year. During the period, several Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended which underlines the seriousness of the situation.
