Government’s Proactive Measure for Security
Shillong: In a significant development, the Meghalaya Government has announced an indefinite night curfew along its international border with Bangladesh due to the ongoing unrest in the neighboring country. The curfew, effective immediately, will be enforced daily from 6 PM to 6 AM within a 200-meter range of the Indian territory from the international border.
Immediate Implementation and Official Statements
Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong emphasized the urgency and proactive nature of this measure, stating, “As a proactive measure for the interest of the state as well as the country as a whole, we have decided to impose a curfew along the international border with Bangladesh from tonight. This curfew will be implemented only up to 200 meters inside the Indian Territory from the zero point or from the international pillar, from 6 PM to 6 AM, until the situation improves. The government will take further decisions based on the developments.”
He further added, “I called an emergency meeting after observing the situation in Bangladesh, where the government has already collapsed. The curfew starts tonight, and I request the citizens of the state living in these areas to kindly cooperate with the government.”
Coordination with Security Forces
Currently, nine battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) are guarding the Meghalaya sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border. Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong reassured that the Government of India is prepared to deploy additional paramilitary forces if needed, stating there is no shortage of manpower at the border.
In light of the unrest, an emergency meeting was held on Monday with DIG BSF (Operation), Director General of Police Meghalaya Idashisha Nongrang, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, and officials from the Home Police Department. This meeting was deemed crucial for addressing the current situation.
Additional Security Measures and Community Involvement
Tynsong mentioned that the Meghalaya Police has been directed to assist BSF personnel as necessary and that the DIG BSF has been instructed to keep the state government updated on any additional manpower or assistance required. He also addressed concerns about unfenced parts of the border, stating, “We have considered the unfenced portions of the border. The BSF is well aware of the details, and from the state government’s side, we have requested local leaders to work with government agencies and report any information to higher authorities immediately.”
Repatriation and Legal Actions
Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong also informed that all students from Meghalaya stranded in Bangladesh have been safely transferred back to Indian territory. He highlighted that the government is effectively implementing the Foreigners Act by deporting or booking illegal foreign nationals.
The government of Meghalaya remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, taking all necessary measures to maintain peace along the international border.
Also Read: NSA Ajit Doval Meets Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Amid Dhaka Unrest
