Meghalaya governor Ganga Prasad on Tuesday inaugurated Maitri Dwar, a gate of friendship between India and Bangladesh at Dawki in West Jaiñtia Hills district along the Indo-Bangla border.
Governor Prasad also inaugurated the Border Security Force’s border observation post at Umsyiem in East Khasi Hills district.
During his visit, the Meghalaya governor also met the regional commander and officers of the Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB).
According to an official communiqué, governor Prasad took the Guard of Honour and distributed sweets among both the troops at the integrated check post.
The governor also addressed the troops of the Border Security Force (BSF).
Dawki, about 81 km from Shillong, is one of the revenue generating export points that witnesses visits of tourists, both foreign and domestic.
Tourists from neighbouring Bangladesh also camp close to the zero line, a point where river Umngot starts its journey from the international border in Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya Frontier of the BSF earlier proposed to develop Dawki and Kilapara – two sites in West Garo Hills district – along the Indo-Bangla border into tourist spots to attract tourists.
As per the proposal the proposed sites will have activities and facilities similar to the retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah checkpost along the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar district of Punjab.
It may be mentioned that in Kilapara there is a war memorial where tourists pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
The war memorial, which was unveiled in 2013, carries an untold saga of suffering and bravery.
During 1971 war, the Dalu-Kilapara area was a strategic war zone.