Pyrdiwah wallows in neglect

Shillong, Nov 11: Pyrdiwah, a nondescript village that shot into prominence after the infamous overrun by then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in 2001, continues to reel under neglect and underdevelopment.

Pyrdiwah is disputed between India and Bangladesh and located on the East Khasi Hills stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh border. It was virtually taken over by BDR (now known as Border Guards Bangladesh) till the diplomacy between the two countries de-escalated the tensions.

In spite of being a buffer village with around 500 dwellings, this village is still connected by a motorable road.  “I am happy that a settlement has been reached on the dispute and we will be in India,” stated Samarene Khonglah, a prominent resident of the village.  While footpaths build under the MNREGS is visible, the Village Council head said, “it’s more important to have a road.”  The Local MLA could not be contacted.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has informed this correspondent that it will adopt Pyrdiwah probably by third week of this month. As a prelude to this, a mini dispensary has already been opened in the area. 

Commandant of the BSF battalion, SR Khan, said “We are living with the border people and all their needs will be provided by us.”

Khan inspected the area as part of the border sentinels’ initiative. “The BSF is here to serve the border populace,” he emphasised.