Night Curfew imposed along Indo Bangladesh border in two districts of Jaintia Hills region

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 5, 2024

In order to prevent any cross-border movement of unwanted elements including people, members of proscribed militant groups, smugglers and any other illegal activities on Indo-Bangladesh Border due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, the District Magistrate of two districts bordering Bangladesh namely East Jaintia Hills District and West Jaintia Hills District has imposed night curfew under Section 163 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) from 6pm to 6 am up to 200 metres from the Zero Line (International Border).

According to East Jaintia Hills District Magistrate Shivansh Awasthi, IAS, the night curfew prohibited movement of people at the international border with the intention to cross the international boundary with Bangladesh or sneak into the Indian territory. The order also prohibited unauthorized procession or unlawful assembly of 5 (five) or more persons and carrying arms/other instruments which can be used as weapons including sticks and stones in and around the Indo- Bangladesh border. Illegal, undesirable activities, smuggling of cattle/contraband goods etc is also banned under the prohibitory order.

Awasthi asserted that the the bordering area in East Jaintia Hills district being unfenced is highly prone to infiltration by illegal migrants, members of organized crime having linkage to anti-national elements including militant groups such that the anti-national elements could gather in large numbers near the international border during the night hours to continue their nefarious activities.

Meanwhile, BS Sohliya, IAS, District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai banned the Movement of people at the International Border with the intention to cross the international boundary with. Bangladesh or sneak into the Indian Territory. The order prohibited unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of 5 (five) or more persons and carrying arms/other instruments which can be used as weapons including sticks & stones in and around the Indo Bangladesh Border. The order also banned Illegal, undesirable activities, smuggling of cattle/contraband goods, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, biri, cigarettes, chai. Patti etc.

Sohliya informed the bordering area West Jaintia Hills District being unfenced is highly prone to infiltration by illegal migrants, members of organised crime having linkage to anti-national elements including militant groups such that the anti-national elements could gather in large numbers near the International Border during the night hours to continue their nefarious activities.