Smuggling of goods banned along Indo-Bangla’s border

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 22, 2020

The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District in a press communiqué informs the general public that in view of the prevailing situation concerning Covid-19 in the State, country and globally, the whole country is under lockdown to control COVID-19 and recently some people have also tested positive in the state of Meghalaya. The neighboring countries have also been affected by the Corona Virus positive cases which have become a concern to this District.

In order to put in place preventive  and mitigation measures to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained in East Jaintia Hills District especially at international border by way of ensuring strict observance of protocols and Advisories issued by Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Welfare Department.

Also stating that the BSF is mandated to prevent Trans border crimes including smuggling of any other illegal activities in the Border Belt of 51.320 Kms and is the agency to ensure that spreading and transmission of Covid-19 from across the border is prevented.

He also informed that reports have been received from the BSF that the entire area of 97 BN is prone to smuggling of cattle and contraband goods, betel nut, betel leafs, dry  fish, biri, cigarette, chai , patti etc. which may also be the medium of spreading the COVID-19. Also, the smugglers and other anti National Elements gather in large number  near international border during  night hours  to smuggle the aforesaid goods  from India  to Bangladesh and Vice Versa which has pose a threat to the efforts of the District Administration to contain the spread transmission, of the Covid -19 into the District.

To prevent such illegal, undesirable activities, transmission of COVID-19 at the international border and in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the District. The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District has promulgated an order under section 144 Cr.P.C read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases , COVID-19 Regulation , 2020 prohibiting the movement of people at the International border with the intention to cross the International boundary into Bangladesh or sneak into the Indian territory,  the order also prohibits illegal and undesirable activities, smuggling of cattle and contraband goods, betel nut, betel leafs, dry fish, biri, cigarette, chai , patti etc. which may cause spreading of the COVID-19.

Further, using of edged weapons, petrol bombs, crackers and lathi charge etc against BSF and serious breach of peace besides annoyance or injury to BSF personnel on duty or otherwise is prohibited. Also, movement of persons on foot or vehicle and carriage in public under the border belt from 6 P.M to 6 A.M is strictly prohibited.

However, movement of people within the Indian Territory is exempted from the above prohibition for the purpose of purchase of essential goods and commodities from shops, retailer shops, PDS shops, within the Indian Border Villages from 10AM to 1PM for those proceeding to District Head Quarters or for purchase of essential goods or for Agriculture and Horticulture cultivation from 7AM to 6 PM.

All villages are instructed to utilize the services of the VDP or volunteer in close coordination with the BSF and Police to regulate the operation of shops and to also ensure due compliance to the Advisories of Government. They are also to ensure that no overcrowd in one area or shop, panic buying and plying of vehicles during the relax period is restricted and public are to  parked their vehicle at the designated places.

In addition, only one or two member from the family is allowed to come out for purchasing of essential commodities, shopkeepers are not allowed to sell beyond fixed MRP price and all shops are requested to provide dustbins, to maintain hygiene and cleanliness and not to dump their waste and garbage in front of the shop but to dispose the same as per the direction of the village authorities. The Village authorities are requested to cooperate with the District Administration and Police and to strictly adhere to the health department advisories to maintain social distancing at least 1 meter from one another.

The District Magistrate has also advised the public to strictly maintain personal hygiene, social distancing, to dispose waste in the identified dustbin and to frequently wash their hands with soap and water. All purchasers are requested to ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government in the Health & Family welfare Department.

This Order shall come into force with immediate effect and until further orders.