Meghalaya: Jaintia National Council seeks removal of BSF check posts

Guwahati: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has appealed to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to remove Border Security Force (BSF) check posts from locations like Sonapyrdi, Umbluh, and Dona.

The JNC accuses the BSF of harassing civilians and failing to effectively secure the border.

The JNC in a memorandum submitted to Deputy CM Tynsong cited a recent incident where a villager, Sylvanus Dhar, was killed near Umkiang village Lumshnong police station in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district and another instance of Bangladeshi nationals throwing stones at Indian citizens.

The JNC leaders claimed the BSF has failed to prevent these occurrences and curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

The JNC also expressed concern about alleged BSF high-handedness, including an incident on April 20, 2024, where BSF personnel allegedly assaulted three youths from Thangskai and Lum Tongseng villages.

The JNC has urged the Meghalaya government to find a political solution and remove the BSF, which they believe targets locals and fails to protect them.

The memorandum signed by JNC President S. Lyngdoh and General Secretary W. Suting further urged strengthening the anti-infiltration check gate in East Jaintia Hills district due to loose checking at the Ratacherra entry-exit point.

The JNC raised concerns about unchecked immigration at night due to the lack of police patrols, potentially impacting demographics, employment opportunities, and public safety.

Deputy CM Tynsong in a meeting assured the Council that the Government will do the needful and would take the issue seriously for the safety of the people.