The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Khliehriat circle has expressed concern over the spurt in cattle and sugar smuggling and cross-border crimes along the state’s border with Bangladesh.
In a letter to East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, the organisation said smuggling from the Umkiang, Huroi, Borghat and other adjacent areas have increased and as such police have to take action within three days.
According to the FKJGP these areas are increasingly being used as transit points for smuggling cattle and illegal transport and trade of sugar without valid documents into Bangladesh.
While smugglers are reportedly using Khliehriat-Sonapur and Ladrymbai-Borghat roads as key routes for illegal activities, the organisation said they suspect that the individuals involved in such activities are also assisting Bangladeshi nationals in crossing into our Indian territory without proper documents.
Stating that illegal infiltration is linked with incidents of assault, theft and other unlawful activities within the border areas creating fear and insecurity among the local population, the FKJGP has urged the SP to take strict and immediate measures to stop such activities in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to identify and dismantle the network.
The FKJGP said its members will lend support to combat smuggling and cross-border crimes to protect the lives and interest of the people in border villages.
“We humbly request you to take urgent steps within a period of three days and if no visible and decisive action is taken within this time frame, we wish to inform you that we will have no option but to intervene in this matter as the organization may deem fit to ensure protection to our land and our residents,” the FKJGP said.
