Shillong: Gaps in border fencing along the India-Bangladesh frontier have raised alarm after a recent intrusion in Meghalaya’s South West Khasi Hills, where armed men allegedly tried to abduct a local villager, officials said Thursday.
Meghalaya shares a 444-kilometre border with Bangladesh, but close to one-fifth of this stretch remains without fencing due to challenging terrain and unresolved land issues.
Officials believe these unfenced portions have become critical entry points for cross-border criminals.
In the wake of the incident, a state-appointed delegation visited Khonjoy, Rongdanggai and Maheshkhola villages earlier this week.
The team included Border Area Development Committee vice-chairman Kitborlang Nongrem, ex-MLA Himalaya M Shangpliang, and Mendipathar legislator Marthon J Sangma.
Locals told the delegation that intruders often exploit hidden tracks and porous border points.
“Despite the presence of BSF outposts, some stretches remain unguarded because of the difficult terrain and lack of fencing. This loophole was used by the intruders,” Sangma said.
Shangpliang noted that villagers flagged several entry routes near Maheshkhola and urged authorities to strengthen security.
He warned that such incidents pose a “serious risk” to residents, particularly women and children.
The delegation is preparing a detailed report for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The intrusion occurred on August 8 when at least eight armed men crossed into Indian territory near Rongdanggai in the Bagli sector.
The group allegedly stabbed a villager, ransacked property and attempted to kidnap a resident.
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Security forces launched a large-scale operation involving the BSF, Meghalaya Police and Village Defence Parties, which lasted three days. Four suspects were initially arrested, followed by two more.
One intruder, identified as Akram from Sherpur district in Bangladesh, died in hospital after being overpowered by villagers.
Authorities also recovered items such as a Bangladesh Police ID card, wireless sets, handcuffs, wire cutters and local currency from the detained men.
Officials said roughly 80 per cent of the international border in Meghalaya has fencing, while the remaining sections remain open due to hurdles like land acquisition and objections from Dhaka over fencing near the zero line because of settlements within 150 yards.
