CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Amid rising concerns over border security, the Border Security Force (BSF) has begun fencing work along several stretches of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Inspector General of the BSF Meghalaya Frontier, O.P. Upadhyay, confirmed that the project is progressing at a “satisfactory” pace in many areas, though approximately 59 kilometres of the international border still remain unfenced due to administrative, technical, and local-level challenges.
“We are very sincere about the early completion of the border fencing,” Upadhyay stated, emphasizing that momentum has picked up significantly. He highlighted that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs, is actively monitoring the progress. “Our leadership in Kolkata and Delhi is also closely following the developments,” he added.
Fencing work has commenced in areas such as Nanjuri, Nayabazar, Lyngkhat, and Tuka in East Khasi Hills; Rongtila in West Jaintia Hills; and parts of Harai and Hugaria in East Jaintia Hills. The BSF estimates that these sections will be completed within the next three to four months. Upadhyay noted that while some obstacles are being resolved, faster progress is expected in the coming weeks.
However, certain critical stretches, especially from Muktapur to Jaliakhola, continue to face delays due to pending tenders, estimation issues, lack of equipment mobilisation, and resistance from segments of the local population. “In some patches, the local people are not in favour of early fencing,” Upadhyay said. Appealing for public support, he urged border residents to cooperate with authorities. “I have appealed to the local population and also met with state officials. Everyone is working together to overcome these challenges,” he said.
Despite the hurdles, the IG expressed confidence that with continued coordination between the central and state governments, and BSF leadership, the remaining gaps will be closed. “With the support of the Chief Minister, we are hopeful of completing the fencing work across the entire Meghalaya border,” he added.
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