Correspondent
SHILLONG: Despite repeated handovers of infiltrators to the Border Guards of Bangladesh, illegal crossings along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya show no sign of slowing. Between January and July 25, 2025, the BSF apprehended 214 Bangladeshi nationals—127 incoming and 87 outgoing.
BSF Inspector General OP Upadhyay pointed to critical gaps in border management due to the lack of land. “Naturally keeping in view the recent development in Bangladesh the situation across the border there is a need for more number of troops in Meghalaya,” he said. “But since we are not getting land this is a major problem,” The IG added.
Upadhyay noted that unfenced areas, particularly in West Jaintia Hills, remain vulnerable. “Because of the non-availability of land we are not able to locate our troops in the border areas along the Meghalaya border.” He stressed, “There are certainly the requirements of more troops because of the unfenced area.”
He identified West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and South Garo Hills as priority zones. “The main focus of the requirement of land is in West Jaintia Hills,” he said. “Jaintia Hills are the main area where the fencing is not there… large gaps are there in the fencing.”
On fencing delays, Upadhyay admitted, “Yes, it is true especially some of the stretches of the borders are not fenced because of the non-availability of land.” He added, “We are facing problem in getting land clearances in East Khasi Hills, some portion of the West Jaintia Hills and some compensation issues are also pending in South West Garo Hills.”
Highlighting the urgency, he said, “The major challenge in land accusing is in West Jaintia Hills, where roughly around 30 to 34 kilometre of the stretched is unfenced.” He concluded, “If we get this land from the concerned deputy commissioner then we will be able to erect fencing at the faster pace.”
Also Read: Meghalaya Mulls Mandatory HIV/AIDS Testing Before Marriage Amid Rising Cases
Also Watch: