Meghalaya to impose border curfews amid infiltration concerns

The Meghalaya government has initiated plans to impose a curfew along the India-Bangladesh border following increased concerns regarding infiltration. During a high-level security meeting involving the Border Security Force (BSF), state police, and civil administration, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong reported that attempts to cross the border are being detected almost daily.

Authorities are addressing challenges posed by the 443-km international boundary, which includes difficult hilly terrain, forested areas, and stretches where fencing is incomplete or absent. To bolster security, the government has activated Village Defence Parties (VDPs) in border villages and is coordinating with traditional local heads to improve ground-level surveillance and reporting of suspicious movements.

District administrations have been directed to consult with local headmen before the formal imposition of curfews. Officials emphasized the need for intensified vigilance in vulnerable areas, particularly within the East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts, to achieve zero-level infiltration.