Meghalaya: Indo-Bangla border fencing "error" leaves 82 Indian families in limbo, Minister seeks Home Ministry's intervention
Shillong: In what has been termed to be a critical error, the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing construction has allegedly resulted in at least 82 families in Meghalaya being displaced to the "no man's zone".
The families belong to the Rongara-Siju constituency in South Garo Hills.
Cabinet Minister and local MLA, Rakkam Sangma stated that the fencing was not built according to norms.
Also Read: Assam: IIT Guwahati partners with Airbus India to boost aviation in Northeast
He claimed that most of it was constructed beyond the stipulated 150 yards from the zero line.
This has led to Indian land being inadvertently ceded to Bangladesh, he said.
Sangma further added that he would take up the matter with the Home Ministry to ensure the relocation of the affected families.
Also Read: Assam citizens’ group launches Jana Gana Mana campaign to promote unity
He further said that it was important to ensure the safety of the families as they fear the might be mistakenly identified as Bangladeshis.
The 443km Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya is being fenced but a significant portion is still unfenced.