Ampati: A night curfew has been imposed along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district amid concerns over possible changes in the security situation following recent developments in Bangladesh.
District Magistrate Hema Nayak, issued the order on December 9, invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The curfew will be in force from 8 pm to 6 am within a 200-metre radius of the Zero Line along the international border and will remain effective until further orders.
According to the order, the administration anticipates an increased risk of unauthorised cross-border movement and infiltration by illegal migrants, smugglers and members of proscribed militant groups.
The district administration noted that the border areas are vulnerable to organised crime networks and anti-national elements who may attempt to gather near the international boundary during night hours to carry out unlawful activities.
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The curfew prohibits movement of persons near the border with the intent of crossing into Bangladesh or entering Indian territory illegally.
It also bars unauthorised processions and unlawful assemblies of five or more persons, as well as the carrying of arms or objects that could be used as weapons, including sticks and stones, in the border areas.
Engagement in illegal activities such as smuggling of cattle, contraband goods, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, bidis, cigarettes, tea leaves and similar items has also been prohibited under the order.
The district magistrate stated that the restrictions were necessary to prevent illegal activities and to maintain peace and tranquillity in the district, the state and the country.
Given the urgency of the situation, the order was issued ex parte and has come into effect immediately.
