Shillong: Hopes for the revival of cross-border commerce in Meghalaya hang in the balance as the reopening of the Balat and Kalaichar border haats remains stalled due to pending approval from the Bangladeshi government. Officials confirm that despite repeated communications from Indian authorities, a green light for the resumption of trade at these vital hubs is yet to be received.
These haats, strategically situated along the zero line separating India and Bangladesh in the East Khasi Hills and South West Garo Hills districts respectively, have been inactive for the past ten months. Their closure coincided with the establishment of an interim administration in Bangladesh, creating significant disruptions for the local economies on both sides of the border.
A senior official within Meghalaya’s Industries department highlighted the ongoing impasse, stating, “The border haats have been shut down for the last ten months following the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh.” The official further noted the lack of response from Dhaka to the persistent efforts made by Indian counterparts to reinstate the trading posts.
The extended dormancy of these haats has had a tangible impact on the livelihoods of numerous vendors and residents who depend on them for both essential supplies and income generation. The informal trade facilitated by these markets allows border communities to exchange agricultural products, fish, and other perishable goods, fostering a symbiotic economic relationship.
B Lyngdoh, a vendor from Balat, articulated the significance of these haats for the local populace, stating, “We are living at the edge of our country, and border haats have helped us immensely. We source our vegetables and fish from Bangladesh, while our perishable fruits find a market across the border.”
Operating under a framework of specific regulations, each haat permits participation only to residents within a 5-kilometer radius of the border. Furthermore, individual traders are limited to exchanging goods valued at a maximum of USD 200 per market day. Typically, each weekly haat session attracts approximately 500 individuals from both India and Bangladesh.
As Meghalaya government officials continue their diplomatic efforts to secure the necessary approvals, the local trading communities remain optimistic about a swift resolution. However, until a positive response is received, the economic dynamism and interpersonal connections fostered by these border haats remain suspended.
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