Shillong, Aug 5: An indefinite night curfew has been clamped along the state’s 443 km-long border with Bangladesh with immediate effect in the wake of a series of violence that has been rocking the neighbouring country in the past few days.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong made the announcement after a meeting here on Monday. He said, “As proactive measures we need to take for the interest of the state and for the country as a whole, today, we have decided to impose a night curfew all along the international border with Bangladesh starting from tonight itself,”
The Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and BSF Inspector General were also present at the meeting.
Tynsong said the night curfew will be implemented ‘200 meters from zero point or from international pillar inside the Indian territory from 6 pm to 6 am everyday.’
He further added that the government will take further decision on this till the situation improves in the neighbouring country.
Tynsong also informed that the Centre had already deployed 9 battalions of BSF along the entire stretch of the international border to strength border security following the situation in Bangladesh.
“The Home Ministry has also assured to send additional forces as the situation is unpleasant,” he said while adding, “We have directed the DIG to keep informing the state government if additional manpower is required.”
Tynsong also confirmed that almost all Indian citizens including those from Meghalaya have returned safely. “We don’t have any other students, which are stranded. Thank God at least all the students have been transferred back to Meghalaya and to India territory.”
He said that the government is effectively implementing the foreigners Act by deporting or booking illegal foreign nationals.
To another question, Tynsong said in view of the prevailing situation, all trade activities are bound to stop.
The deputy chief minister also asked border residents to cooperate and share any information with the state government as well as the IG or BSF.
