90 pc border fencing completed along Meghalaya-Bangladesh border: CM Sangma
Shillong, May 27
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said nearly 90 per cent of the fencing work along the India-Bangladesh international border in the state has been completed, while the remaining stretches are expected to be finished after resolving a few local issues.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Sangma said Meghalaya shares an international border of nearly 440 kilometres with Bangladesh, of which fencing work has already been completed across around 400 kilometres.
"Only about 40 to 45 kilometres of border fencing work remains pending," the Chief Minister said.
According to Sangma, delays in the remaining stretches are mainly due to ground-level challenges and concerns raised by local residents in some border villages.
He explained that in certain locations, the proposed fencing alignment falls inside Indian territory, affecting privately owned land belonging to local communities.
In a few villages, the alignment of the fencing could divide a village into two parts, raising practical and social concerns for residents.
"These are sensitive local issues involving people's land and habitation patterns. We are engaging with the local communities and village leaders to arrive at practical solutions," Sangma said.
The Chief Minister stressed that the state government is attempting to strike a balance between national security requirements and the interests of citizens residing in border areas.
He expressed confidence that discussions with stakeholders would help resolve the pending issues soon, paving the way for completion of the remaining border fencing work.
"We expect the pending concerns to be sorted out shortly, after which the fencing work can be completed 100 per cent," he said.
Sangma further stated that border fencing remains a crucial measure for strengthening security and improving surveillance along the international border.
The Meghalaya government, he said, is working in close coordination with the Central government and relevant agencies to ensure the project is completed at the earliest.
The India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya passes through several remote and densely populated areas, where issues related to land ownership, habitation, and traditional village boundaries have often complicated fencing and infrastructure projects.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Understand the need for fencing, but these are sensitive human issues. Dividing a village in half? That's heartbreaking for those families. The government should prioritize relocating people or adjusting the alignment before rushing. Security is important but so are people's homes.
Great to hear Meghalaya is pushing ahead with this! Bangladesh border has had issues with smuggling and illegal crossing for decades. Security infrastructure is long overdue. But Sangma is right – engaging local communities is key. Without their cooperation, even the best fence won't work. Smart governance! 💪
I'm glad they're taking time to resolve local issues. In Assam, we've seen how badly done fencing can create tensions. But 90% is impressive. Hope the remaining 10% gets sorted without too much delay. National security and people's welfare shouldn't be opponents – they should go hand in hand.
Interesting to see the balance between security and local rights in India. Coming from the US, we often just bulldoze through projects. The idea of engaging with villagers before cutting their land in half seems more humane. Hope Meghalaya sets a good example for other border states.
Border fencing is necessary, but 40-45 km is still a lot to complete. Hope the CM's confidence isn't misplaced. Bangladesh relations have been good lately, but security gaps can still be exploited. Also, hope they compensate villagers properly if their land is taken. That's basic fairness. 🤔
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