SHILLONG:
The state government has decided to establish a standing coordination committee in all civil subdivisions along the international border with Bangladesh to mitigate misunderstandings and prevent unfortunate incidents involving the local populace and the BSF.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, along with BSF Inspector General HS Dhillon and State Director General of Police Dr LR Bishnoi, convened a meeting where this decision was made. This initiative follows an incident where BSF personnel allegedly threatened a veterinary officer in Muktapur.
Tynsong informed the media that the misunderstanding between the BSF and the veterinary officer had been resolved during a meeting held in Amlarem. To prevent future occurrences, the government plans to establish a coordination committee in all civil subdivisions along the border, headed by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) and comprising representatives from the BSF, police, and local traditional heads.
“This committee will convene regularly to address any differences or incidents, preventing escalation and ensuring swift resolution,” Tynsong stated. He emphasised the importance of such committees in bridging communication gaps and resolving conflicts at the local level.
Furthermore, the state government has urged the BSF to enhance vigilance to prevent Bangladeshi nationals from committing crimes in Indian territory, citing a recent incident in East Jaintia Hills where a woman was killed. Tynsong stressed the need for proactive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
“Even in today’s meeting, I have impressed upon the IG BSF to be more vigilant, to be more active, such unpleasant incidents should not be repeated. We know well that humanly speaking, we don’t know when those people are planning to come or enter our jurisdiction but I have requested the BSF IG to be more active, and more vigilant so that such unpleasant incidents can be avoided at all costs,” Tynsong informed.