SHILLONG, Jan 30: Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon on Wednesday undertook a field visit to the remote border areas of Jaliakhola Sankhat falling under the Amlarem sub-division in West Jaintia Hills district, travelling by boat to assess the ground situation amid growing opposition from villagers over the proposed India-Bangladesh border fencing.
He got a firsthand idea about the villagers’ concerns during a meeting with landowners, village leaders, and government officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), and the Border Security Force (BSF) area commander. The interaction allowed residents to voice their grievances while officials outlined the current status of the proposed project.
The villagers alleged that the government intends to erect fencing through betel nut and bay leaf plantations—primary sources of livelihood for many families—without prior knowledge or consent of the landowners. Many expressed fears that the project could result in the loss of agricultural land, adversely affecting their livelihood.
Speaking to reporters, Syngkon urged the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills to ensure that the fencing is constructed from the zero point and strictly within the mandated 150-yard limit.
“Upon arriving at the site, I observed the zero point and Boundary Pillar No. 1301, where one side falls within Indian territory and the other within Bangladesh. As per the guidelines, the fencing should be constructed about 150 yards from the zero point,” he said. However, the MP said he learned that NBCC, the company tasked with building the border fencing, is planning to construct it nearly one kilometre away.
“If this happens, local residents could lose their homes, farmlands, and plantations, and such a proposal should not be accepted,” Syngkon said.
He noted that representatives from eight villages had expressed dissatisfaction over discussions on land allocation for the road and fencing, alleging a lack of clarity and proper planning in the execution of the project.
“After personally visiting the site and hearing the people, I believe the district authorities, village leaders, and NBCC officials should jointly inspect the area to better understand the ground realities,” Syngkon said.
“NBCC has indicated that constructing the fence at 150 yards would involve higher costs due to the need for a bridge. However, if a bridge is necessary for public welfare, it must be built—it is the right of the people,” the MP stated.
He warned that failure to safeguard the area could lead to the loss of valuable land with significant potential for tourism, agriculture, and local livelihoods.
Emphasising his commitment to the issue, he said he would engage with authorities, including NBCC, district officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of the eight villages, to find an amicable solution that ensures no resident suffers undue loss.
“I have come here out of concern for our people living along the border. Matters related to land ownership and allocation must be properly addressed. I visited after residents conveyed their difficulties and the possibility of suffering losses if the fencing is constructed without a thorough assessment,” he added.
The issue has drawn strong opposition from residents of eight villages —Pasadwar, Kamsing, Jaliakhola, Lumpyngngad, Sankhat, Hawai Bhoi, Hawai Sutnga, and Lum Sohrmen. The villagers recently gathered near the border outpost at Jaliakhola to deliberate on the matter.
They warned that farmers could lose vast stretches of arable land if the fencing proceeds along the proposed alignment and urged the government to ensure that any barrier is erected strictly along the zero line to protect privately owned farmland. According to residents, agricultural land may be affected if fencing is undertaken along the stretch from Muktapur–Jaliakhola–Pasadwar, between Border Pillar No. 1283/7-S and Border Pillar No. 1301/4-S.
