Shillong: In response to the escalating violence in neighboring Bangladesh, the Meghalaya government has announced the immediate imposition of an indefinite night curfew along its international border with Bangladesh.
Meghalaya, which shares a 443 km border with Bangladesh, made this decision following a high-level meeting chaired by deputy chief minister, Prestone Tynsong, on Monday (August 05).
The meeting included key Meghalaya government officials such as the chief secretary, director general of police (DGP), and the BSF inspector general.
“As a proactive measure to protect the interests of our state and country, we have decided to impose a night curfew along the international border with Bangladesh starting tonight,” Meghaya deputy CM Prestone Tynsong said.
The curfew, which will be enforced 200 meters from the zero point or from the international pillar within Indian territory, will be in effect from 6 PM to 6 AM daily.
Tynsong indicated that this measure would remain until the situation in Bangladesh improves.
Tynsong urged residents in border areas to cooperate fully with the government during this period.
“We request all citizens, especially those residing near the border, to bear with the curfew. The situation in Bangladesh is uncertain, and we ask for your cooperation and vigilance in sharing any information with the state government or BSF, who are on alert 24×7.”
The Meghalaya deputy chief minister also revealed that the central government had deployed nine battalions of the BSF along the international border to bolster security.
Additional forces may be sent if the situation worsens, he noted.
“Home ministry has assured us of additional forces if necessary. We have directed the DIG to communicate any needs to the state government, and we are prepared to provide full support,” Tynsong stated.
Furthermore, Tynsong confirmed the safe return of almost all Indian citizens, including those from Meghalaya, from Bangladesh.
“We have ensured that all students have been brought back safely to Meghalaya and Indian territory,” he said.
In light of the current tensions, all trade and export activities with Bangladesh have been halted.