Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Villagers in Lyngkhong, located along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, are protesting a government fencing project that threatens to leave their community isolated. On June 7, demonstrators gathered to urge the Pynursla Sub-Divisional Officer to halt construction until authorities adjust the route. The residents argue the current plan pushes the fence too far into Indian territory, effectively cutting them off from the rest of the country.
International norms typically require fences to be placed at least 150 yards from the zero line, a policy that locals fear will force their homes onto the wrong side of the security barrier. Village head Ramu stated, "We are not against border fencing, but we want the fence to be erected at the zero line so that our village remains inside India and within the fenced area." Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the settlement has relied on a simple bamboo barrier for separation from Bangladesh.
The community expressed concerns regarding future security and daily accessibility if the project proceeds as planned. Resident Rima Khongsdir noted, "If the fence comes up in its present alignment, our village will be left outside. We are worried about our future and want the state government to listen to our concerns and take them up with the Government of India."
Government officials maintain that the fencing is vital to regional security. A Border Security Force official confirmed that an outpost is already active in Lyngkhong to ensure safety. Meanwhile, the Home Department stated that New Delhi is currently negotiating with Bangladesh regarding the possibility of installing a single-row fence directly at the zero line in sensitive areas. Bangladesh has yet to provide a formal decision on this proposal.
Comments