Social activist Greneth M Sangma has suggested the state government to set up of at least three more border haats along the international border with Bangladesh and to make the land custom station at Baghmara operational.
A letter with the suggestion was written to the Chief Minister yesterday after the social activist had made these suggestions to the Director of Commerce and Industries in 2021, which was not taken up.
According to Greneth, commerce between Bangladesh and India was being hampered due to the lack of border haats, as most local produce goes to waste due to non-availability of buyers.
Currently, Garo Hills has only two border haats, one in Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills and another upcoming one in Sibbari, South Garo Hills. He identified three other places, Rongara, Baghmara and Gasuapara, which could potentially be turned into haats for trade between the two countries.
“Baghmara has a land custom station, though it is only in name. Many exporters have approached me to take up the matter of getting the Baghmara LCS operational [to] not only help the export of minerals to Bangladesh but also horticultural and agricultural products, which are now going to waste due to lack of a market,” said Greneth.
He asserted that prior and just after Independence, there were at least 10 border haats through which goods and money were being traded.
“These were undeclared border haats through which trade was being carried out. However, the closure of such haats has given rise to smugglers and exporters taking advantage of the situation and illegally sending goods and minerals from India,” he added. “If these routes are made operational, products from India can be formally and legally exported to our neighbouring country.”
