Northeast Desk, 13th August: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma that the Government of India is taking all necessary measures to ensure that no individual from violence-hit Bangladesh crosses into Meghalaya. This assurance was given during a meeting held to discuss the potential impact of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh on the northeastern states. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also participated in the discussions.
Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, the Meghalaya government has decided to prevent any outsiders from entering the state. Chief Minister Sangma had previously urged the central government to increase manpower along the border to bolster security. During the meeting, Sangma reiterated the need for additional security forces along the international border to reinforce safety measures.
Speaking to the media, CM Sangma stated that he briefed Home Minister Shah on the situation, noting that the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army have been maintaining a strict vigil along the international border. He also mentioned that a night curfew has been enforced to further secure the border.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of rising tensions following the vandalism of a statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem, a revered Khasi freedom fighter, at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka. The incident has caused outrage in Meghalaya and led to the temporary suspension of border trade activities.
CM Sangma has called on Bangladesh’s interim government to address the unrest, stating, “While the situation in Bangladesh is the internal affair of the people of Bangladesh, we hope the caretaker government takes control of the matter and avoids further loss of life and property.”