DCs of Khasi-Jaintia Hills directed to resolve land issues of border fencing
Shillong, May 6: In the wake of changing dynamics in India’s western frontier and Bangladesh downgraded from being a friendly neighbour, the state government has directed the deputy commissioners of Khasi and Jaintia Hills region to immediately resolve the land issue for speeding up completion of border fencing along the Indo-Bangla border.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday in presence of BSF Meghalaya Inspector General and officials of NBCC.
Tynsong has reviewed the status of the border fencing while taking into consideration the present situation in the country.
“I had a review meeting with all the district collectors and I have instructed all of them and I am very sure may be within few weeks from now, we will be able to resolve the (land) issue,” he told reporters.
“We really wanted to complete those portions where the fencing is incomplete at the earliest possible, because by having the fencing, the state and central agencies including BSF can easily monitor as far as infiltration of those people from outside is concerned,” Tynsong added.
According to him, due to problem of land about 33-34 kilometers along the Indo-Bangla border in West Jaintia Hills is unfenced and about 7-8 kilometers is unfenced in East Khasi Hills district.
Asked, Tynsong said, “I have instructed all deputy commissioners of East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills and other districts to revisit and consider this issue as a top most priority as you know well the situation in the country as a whole and especially for as North Eastern states, which is bordering Bangladesh, is not that conducive.”
On the demand to erect the fencing from zero line, the deputy chief minister informed that the state government had already written to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the matter.
“(Though as per norms, international boundary it should within 150 yards), however, a few stretches where if the fencing has to go as per this (15 yards) then some villages will have to be treated outside the fence. In this context what we have done is, we have written a letter to the MHA to consider those points or those particular locations where we have to make sure the village or the habitation it should be within the fencing. We have written a letter to the MHA and the MHA has also considered about this and more challenges are there as two-three places are also there where we are still awaiting the approval of the MHA,” he said.
Stating that the situation as of now is under control, Tynsong said, “All along the international border between Bangladesh and India, all different agencies are at the grassroots and the activities, whatever required to be done from the state government as well as from the central government agencies, they are on the ground and we will make sure the safety and security of our people is intact.”
“We have already instructed that no person should illegally bring in the Bangladeshis to India until they have all necessary documents. That is the standing order and we continue to make sure it should not happen,” he added.
