Night Curfew Imposed Along Indo-Bangladesh Border in Meghalaya

The East Khasi Hills district administration in Meghalaya has announced the enforcement of a night curfew along a one-kilometre stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border. The move comes as part of an intensified effort to combat rising illegal activities and to prevent cross-border infiltration that poses a threat to peace and security in the region. The order, which came into immediate effect, will remain operational for a period of two months. It has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers authorities to regulate movement and maintain law and order in sensitive areas.

As per the directive, the curfew will be in force every day between 8 pm and 6 am. During this period, individuals are prohibited from moving around within the restricted zone. The administration has specifically barred any attempt by people to cross over into Bangladeshi territory illegally or to enter Indian territory from the other side of the border without valid authorisation.

The order goes beyond just movement restrictions. It also prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals, a measure aimed at discouraging group activities that could potentially lead to unlawful assemblies, smuggling operations, or other forms of organised crime. Furthermore, the curfew bans the carrying of weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, thereby reducing the possibility of violent incidents or confrontations.

Smuggling has been a persistent issue in the border areas, and the curfew specifically targets activities connected to it. Authorities have identified several items that are frequently trafficked across the Indo-Bangladesh border. These include cattle, contraband items, betel nuts, betel leaves, dry fish, bidis, cigarettes, and tea leaves. Such goods not only fuel illegal cross-border trade but also contribute to the growth of smuggling networks that often involve organised criminal groups. By imposing the curfew, officials aim to disrupt these channels and reduce the volume of illegal trade.

One of the major reasons cited for the imposition of the curfew is the current volatile situation in Bangladesh. Officials believe that instability across the border could lead to attempts at infiltration by members of militant groups, smugglers, or other entities involved in criminal networks. Such infiltration attempts, if unchecked, could destabilise the border areas, posing risks to both local security and broader national interests.

The geographical features of the Indo-Bangladesh border in the East Khasi Hills further complicate the situation. Certain stretches are porous and vulnerable, making them easy targets for illegal crossings and smuggling operations. Authorities fear that if movement in these areas is not carefully regulated, it could lead to disturbances in peace and order.

By enforcing this curfew, the East Khasi Hills administration seeks to establish greater control over border activities. The order is meant not only to act as a preventive measure against infiltration and smuggling but also to reassure the local population that steps are being taken to safeguard their security.

In summary, the two-month night curfew in the East Khasi Hills district is a proactive security measure designed to restrict movement, prevent illegal cross-border activities, and maintain peace along the sensitive Indo-Bangladesh border. It reflects the government’s concern over smuggling networks, militant infiltration, and organised crime, while also recognising the challenges posed by the porous terrain and the unstable situation in neighbouring Bangladesh.