Shillong, Aug 21: A night curfew has been reimposed along the India-Bangladesh border in East Khasi Hills.
In an order passed yesterday, the District Magistrate 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.
Areas on the international border have been subjected to several incursions in recent weeks, not just for illegal migration or smuggling, as is fairly normal, but for theft, sometimes violent.
A night curfew had previously been imposed in EKH and West Jaintia Hills in May for a period of two months.
As per the current order, the night curfew will run from 8pm to 6am daily up to 1km from the zero line (international border) as the crow flies.
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.
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.
This order came into force with immediate effect and will be in place for two months.
