Activist urges action against smuggling and border crime in South Garo Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 17, 2024

Social activist Greneth M Sangma on Thursday urged the district administration of South Garo Hills to take measures to ensure safety and security of residents and travellers along the Indo-Bangla border besides taking action against wholesalers involved in illegally smuggling of sugar to Bangladesh.

In a letter to the deputy commissioner of the district, Sangma said there is a need to strengthen the border security by enhancing the presence and effectiveness of the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Indo-Bangla border.

“(I also request the need to) implement regular and compulsory patrolling along border roads to deter criminal activities (and) organize awareness programs and community meetings to educate residents on safety precautions and encourage cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” he said.

The demand was made while referring to an incident which took place on Wednesday at Netri, where two travellers on bikes were blocked, threatened, and robbed by dacoits from Bangladesh near the Netri BSF Camp. The perpetrators, armed with dao/knives, took away a Pulsar bike, leaving the victims shaken.

“This alarming event highlights the vulnerability of our border areas and the need for immediate action to ensure the protection of our citizens,” he said.

Furthermore, Sangma said it has also come to his notice that wholesalers are selling and smuggling sugar through Baghmara Bazar, taking advantage of the tense situation and relations with Bangladesh.

“I request that you take immediate action to stop this smuggling and hold wholesalers accountable for selling illegally. If they continue these activities, their licenses should be cancelled,” he stated.

The activist also emphasized the need to investigate the wholesalers involved in smuggling, verify the source of their sugar stocks and take legal action against those found involved by cancelling their licenses besides increasing surveillance and monitoring in Baghmara Bazar.