The state government wants fencing on the Indo-Bangladesh border but only on the Zero Line, which is the actual boundary between the two countries and not inside Indian territory.
Under a 1975 agreement, there can be no permanent structures built within 150m of the international border on both sides. This has been interpreted to mean that India cannot build its border fence on the border but only 150 metres inside its own territory.
Farmers, shopkeepers and the like have been frustrated by this, as they face hassles crossing the fence to their land on the other side.
Skirmishes along the Indo-Bangla border are quite frequent in Meghalaya because a large part of the border is unfenced in the state. Taking cognizance of the matter, the Meghalaya government has urged the Centre to ensure that the fencing is erected on the Zero Line.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today said that the government wants to have fencing along the border but whole villages are opposed to it if it cuts the people off.
Out of 443km of the Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya, a large part in Khasi and Jaintia Hills is yet to be fenced.
When asked about the recent incident when Bangladeshi immigrants entered Meghalaya territory and murdered an Indian citizen, Tynsong said that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been directed to be more vigilant and active so that such incidents do not happen again.
