Meghalaya: East Jaintia Hills tightens border security to crack down smuggling activities

Guwahati: In a bid to curb smuggling and potential security threats, the East Jaintia Hills district administration in Meghalaya has imposed stringent restrictions on movement near the international border with Bangladesh.

The order, issued by District Magistrate A Baranwal on Tuesday, outlines a series of prohibitions aimed at safeguarding the border and maintaining peace within the district.

The directive explicitly bans the movement of people across the border, effectively preventing any illegal crossings into Bangladesh or unauthorized entry into Indian territory.

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Furthermore, the order cracks down on smuggling activities of all kinds, including cattle, contraband goods, and "everyday items" like betel nuts, dry fish, and cigarettes.

To strengthen enforcement, the movement of people on foot or vehicles within 5 kilometres of the border belt is restricted from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

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These measures were implemented based on concerns raised by the Border Security Force (BSF) regarding the area's vulnerability to smuggling and illegal infiltration.

The BSF reported frequent instances of smugglers and individuals suspected of harbouring anti-national sentiments gathering near the border at night to engage in cross-border smuggling activities.