Nongkrem MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit today questioned what steps the Meghalaya government has taken to ensure the safety and security of the people living in the border areas, both national and international.
Basaiawmoit said that it is concerning since people living along the border are constantly in fear, with the dangers including cross-border crime, usurpation of their land, loss of livelihood, etc.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that for the 51 years of Meghalaya’s existence there have been many instances of border flare-ups brought about by a lack of resolution to the dispute over the exact border, at least with Assam.
He said that his government is making all efforts and is firm in trying to solve the border dispute once and for all.
Sangma informed that Meghalaya has set up seven new border outposts. In addition to existing police stations and outposts, new facilities of this kind have been created in close proximity to the Assam border.
He also mentioned that Deputy Commissioners of border districts that contain areas claimed by Assam are in regular touch with their counterparts to try and make sure that tensions are diffused.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have also been issued to the respective Superintendents of Police regarding measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the areas of difference along the inter-state border.
Concerning the international border, the CM informed that there are 14 police stations that share their jurisdictional boundary with the international border with Bangladesh. Along the Indo-Bangla Border, there are outposts and infiltration checkposts in districts bordering Bangladesh. Regular foot, mobile and long range patrolling is conducted along the border by police personnel.
