Assam to get 6 new border outposts

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 22: To check infiltration and smuggling of arms, rcotics, fake currencies, cattle and other contraband from across the intertiol border and to deal with problems relating to disputes along inter-State borders, the Assam government has decided to set up 6 border outposts (BOPs) in coming fiscal 2017-18.

Sources said two BOPs would be set up along the intertiol border of the five such BOPs planned. Of the 27 new BOPs planned along inter-State borders, four would be set up in 2017-18 while the remaining ones will be set up later in phased manner.  Budgetary provisions have already been made for the 6 BOPs to be set up in the coming fincial year. To prevent cross-border cattle smuggling, special drives have been undertaken. A cell has been formed in the headquarters of Assam Police Border Organization to monitor the actions taken against cattle smuggling and the progress of investigation into such cases, sources added.  Sources further stated that digitization and networking of border organization projects has also been initiated and Rs 500 lakh has been used for this purpose. Stress has also been put on improvement of infrastructure and basic amenities in the existing inter-State BOPs and Rs 226 lakh will be utilized towards this end, as per State budget estimates for 2017-18. Whether it remedies the poor condition of infrastructure in many BOPs remains to be seen.