JSU seek govt’s action on alleged encroachment by Bangladesh at Dawki

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 20, 2020

The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has sought the intervention of the state government into the alleged construction of a permanent structure by Bangladesh near zero line of the international border and missing of a border pillar in West Jaintia Hills.

In a memorandum submitted to the home minister Lahkmen Rymbui, JSU War Jaintia Circle president Eddy Kery Pohtam said, “(We) urge you to take action against the erection of a permanent structure by Bangladesh at almost zero line of the international border near reference border pillar (BP) No 1273. We have received information that the structure was meant for a patrol camp by BGB which was planned to have facilities such as flood lights.”

Pohtam also alleged that a sub pillar of BP No 1273 which is located near the site of the construction has been reported to be missing during a recent visit conducted by the JSU.

“We are extremely concerned as to how the BSF with its camp (along Umngot river at Dawki) present at close proximity to this pillar and structure are just mute spectator and are not able to prevent (such incident),” the president said while demanding that the BSF should clarify on their failure to act.

The JSU also requested the state government to take timely action against the encroachment by Bangladesh. “We also urged you to please resolve the pending border issue to properly demarcate the Indo-Bangladesh border line with the erection of new and correctly placed pillars,” the letter stated.