SHILLONG:
The State government has requested the Centre to permit the construction of fencing in close proximity to the zero line of the international border shared with Bangladesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong revealed this development on Tuesday, affirming the state’s stance on the matter. He stated, “The state government had written a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs that whatever possible, we welcome the fencing but as I said it should be closer to the zero point between Bangladesh and India.”
Tynsong highlighted the concerns arising from the current alignment of the fencing, which sometimes encroaches upon agricultural land belonging to landowners, clans, or communities. Consequently, village administrations oppose such alignments and continually urge the Government of India to consider adjusting them, advocating for fencing closer to the zero point.
These concerns have been particularly prominent among residents of the Amlarem civil sub-division in West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills.
While expressing overall support for the fencing, Tynsong reiterated the adamant opposition to fencing dividing villages or farmland. He affirmed, “Even from district administration, we say, please don’t allow until and unless we get a clear-cut decision taken by the Government of India. So be it in the War Jaintia side, Amlarem area, not even a single inch of fencing has started.”
Tynsong also noted that the fencing initiative is currently suspended due to local opposition in the concerned districts. The district administrations have been advised against proceeding until a definitive decision is made by the Government of India. As a result, no fencing activity has commenced in areas like War Jaintia and Amlarem.