Shillong, East Khasi Hills: Citing heightened security concerns, authorities in the East Khasi Hills district have rolled out a night curfew along the Indo-Bangladesh border, aiming to put a full stop to rampant illegal activities and cross-border infiltration. The order, which came into effect immediately, will be enforced for a period of two months, restricting movement within a one-kilometre radius of the international border between 8 PM and 6 AM.
Issued under Section 163 of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the directive strictly prohibits any unauthorised attempts to cross the border, whether to enter Indian territory or to move into Bangladesh. The curfew also bans assemblies of five or more people, the carrying of any kind of weapons, and engagement in activities associated with smuggling. Officials have noted that the porous nature of this border stretch has made it a hotspot for the trafficking of various goods, including cattle, betel nuts, betel leaves, and other contraband items like dry fish, bidis, and tea leaves.
The move comes as a preemptive measure amid the volatile situation in neighbouring Bangladesh. The district administration has raised an alarm about potential infiltration bids by members of militant groups, smugglers, and other organised crime syndicates that could disrupt the peace and security of the region. The authorities maintain that unchecked movement along the vulnerable border stretches of East Khasi Hills poses a grave threat to law and order, necessitating this stringent action to safeguard the area.
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