Shillong: Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district administration on Tuesday imposed a night curfew in areas along the India–Bangladesh border amid concerns over infiltration by illegal migrants and members of banned militant groups, officials said.
The night curfew takes immediate effect and will remain in force from 8 pm to 6 am for two months within a one-kilometre radius of the ‘Zero Line’ along the border.
Issuing the order, District Magistrate R. M. Kurbah noted that certain stretches of the international border in the district remain porous and susceptible to infiltration by illegal migrants, members of proscribed militant outfits, smugglers, and organised crime networks linked to anti-national elements.
“Such elements may attempt to gather in large numbers during night hours near the ‘Zero Line’ to carry out activities that could disturb peace and tranquillity in the district,” it said.
During curfew hours, any movement by individuals attempting to cross into Bangladesh or enter Indian territory illegally will be strictly prohibited, the order stated.
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It further bars the unlawful gathering of five or more people, the carrying of arms or objects that could serve as weapons, and “all illegal activities, including the smuggling of cattle, contraband items, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, cigarettes, and tea leaves.”
