Shillong — The Meghalaya government has imposed night curfews along the unfenced portions of the India-Bangladesh border amid rising concerns over cross-border infiltration and smuggling activities, officials confirmed.
The curfew, effective from 8 PM to 6 AM, targets a 40 km stretch of the unfenced border considered vulnerable to militant movement, smuggling, and illegal crossings, especially under cover of darkness.
According to a senior official from the state home department, the directive follows intelligence inputs shared with Home Minister Prestone Tynsong, alerting authorities to potential night-time cross-border intrusions by militant groups and smugglers.
In West Jaintia Hills, one of the affected border districts, the district administration issued an order banning:
• Public movement up to 200 metres from the Zero Line (International Border)
• Unauthorized processions or unlawful assemblies of more than five individuals
• Carrying of arms or any item that may be used as a weapon
The curfew is being enforced under the powers granted to local authorities to ensure public safety and national security.
Of the 444 km total border that Meghalaya shares with Bangladesh, over 40 km remains unfenced, making it highly susceptible to illegal cross-border activities.
District administrations along the border have been instructed to strengthen patrolling and surveillance, while security forces have been placed on high alert to ensure strict enforcement of the new measures.