Amid the ongoing efforts to secure the India-Bangladesh international border, Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui has voiced concerns over the challenges faced by border residents, particularly the potential loss of cultivable land due to fencing.
Speaking on the issue, Rymbui clarified that the people in his constituency, which shares a long stretch of border with Bangladesh, are not opposed to the fencing initiative. However, he stressed that the implementation must be sensitive to the ground realities faced by villagers.
“For the people living along the border, land is precious, especially cultivable land. The problem arises due to the Indira-Mujib Treaty, which prohibits the construction of any permanent structure within 150 yards of the zero line (border). If the fencing is carried out within this area (150 yards from the border), large portions of cultivable land and plantations would fall into the restricted zone, making it nearly impossible for villagers to continue farming,” Rymbui said.
The MLA further highlighted that several villages fall within the 150 yard buffer zone, making the fencing initiative a complex and emotional issue for the local population. He called for joint modalities between the governments of the two countries to ensure that the border security measures do not harm the interests of people residing in these sensitive areas.
Recently, Home Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the state government has instructed district administrations, particularly in West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills, to prioritise resolving issues related to the unfenced international border. The directive comes as part of broader efforts to curb infiltration and ensure safety along the porous border.
However, even in areas where fencing exists, the Border Security Force (BSF) and law enforcement agencies continue to face challenges. The BSF has repeatedly intercepted Bangladeshi intruders based on intelligence inputs but incidents of petty theft persist, with reports of crops and other belongings being stolen by individuals from across the border, explained Rymbui.
“During times of economic crisis, such incidents tend to increase,” Rymbui noted, adding that while the general relationship between communities on both sides remains cordial, economic desperation often leads to cross-border thefts and illegal entry.
