SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has proposed the acquisition of land falling within 150 yards of the India-Bangladesh international border to resolve long-standing challenges in completing border fencing while ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of affected residents.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, said the proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after several villages in border areas were found to be located well within the mandatory 150-yard no-construction zone.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tynsong explained that the government supports the construction of border fencing but highlighted the practical difficulties in implementing the project in areas where settlements lie very close to the international boundary.
“There are portions of our territory where villages are located within 150 yards of the border, and in some places, houses are just 50 to 60 metres from the border pillars, especially in the Pynursla area,” he said.
According to Tynsong, if the 150-yard international guideline is strictly followed, several villages would remain outside the border fence, effectively leaving them in what could become a vulnerable “no man’s land.”
“We are not against border fencing. In fact, we strongly support it because it is necessary for national security. But we must also protect the interests of the people living in these border villages,” he said.
To address the issue, the state government has urged the Centre to consider purchasing the entire land within the restricted zone if the 150-yard rule cannot be relaxed.
“We have suggested that if the 150-yard norm cannot be compromised, the Government of India should acquire the land outright so that villagers and farmers can be relocated to safer places with proper rehabilitation,” Tynsong said.
He also informed that he had convened meetings with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to discuss the issue and find a practical solution.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the proposal seeks to strike a balance between strengthening border security and safeguarding the livelihoods and welfare of people residing along the international border.