M’laya Govt asks to revoke decision of reopening border trade with Bangladesh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2020

NGOs and traditional headmen have demanded the state government to revoke its decision to reopen the border trade with Bangladesh in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The decision was taken at a meeting called by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) War Jaintia Circle and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) Southern Riwar Circle at Dawki in West Jaintia Hills District.

The meeting was attended by the Doloi and headmen of different villages including Dawki, Darrang, Shnongpdeng, Amshipai, Amkoi, Lymba, Ryngkum, Khonglah, Lamin and others.

This came after the district magistrate had issued an order informing that border trade with Bangladesh through the Land Custom Station at Tamabil-Dawki will be re-opened from July 9.

The order had stated that the border trade will reopen subject to strict compliance and adhering to the standard operating procedure for export. It added that vehicles with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) are allowed to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday.

KSU-WJC president Latiphar Syngkrem said that the meeting has unanimously resolved to strongly oppose the move of the state government to reopen the border trade.

“The government should temporarily revoke its decision in view of the COVID-19 situation,” he said.

Syngkrem said the union will be compelled to take stern action if the government fails to pay heed to this demand.

Meanwhile, the traditional heads have also expressed full support to the demand and vowed to prevent spread of the COVID-19 in the War Jaintia region.