A night curfew has been imposed along the India-Bangladesh border in East Khasi Hills, West and East Jaintia Hills districts
In an order passed today, the authorities of the three districts stated that, in view of the current unstable political situation in Bangladesh, there is every likelihood of cross border movement of unwanted elements, members of banned militant groups, smugglers and those carrying out other illegal activities,
Border areas in the districts that are unfenced are highly prone to infiltration by illegal migrants and members of organised crime gangs having links to anti-national elements, including armed insurgent groups.
The district administrations stated that such elements may gather in large numbers near the international border during the night hours to continue their nefarious activities.
In West Jaintia Hills, night curfew under section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed from 8 pm up to 6 am up to 200 metres from the zero line (international border) and 500 km radius in East Jaintia Hills.
The same timing applies in EKH but the curfew will run within a radius of one kilometre from the international border.
During these hours there is a prohibition on movement of people at the international border with the intention to cross the international boundary with Bangladesh or sneak into the Indian territory, unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons and carrying arms/other instruments that can be used as weapons, including sticks and stones in and around the border and illegal, undesirable activities, smuggling of cattle/contraband goods, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, biri, cigarettes and chai patti.
