With certain portions of the border in East Khasi Hills still porous and prone to infiltration by illegal migrants, members of organised crime with linkages to anti-national elements, and even armed insurgent groups who gather in large numbers under the cover of night to carry out nefarious activities that threaten to trigger uncontrollable cross-border infiltration and disturb peace and tranquility, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District has clamped night curfew from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM under Section 163 BNSS, within a one-kilometre radius of the Zero Line (International Border).
The order, effective immediately, prohibits movement of people attempting to cross into Bangladesh or sneak into Indian territory, unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons, and carrying of arms or instruments that can be used as weapons including sticks, rods and stones. It also bans smuggling of cattle, contraband goods, betelnut, betel leaves, dry fish, bidis, cigarettes and chai patti across the Indo-Bangladesh frontier.
“This Order is necessitated in view of the current situation in Bangladesh where there is every likelihood of cross border movement of unwanted elements, members of proscribed militant groups, smugglers and any other illegal activities on Indo-Bangladesh Border,” the District Magistrate stated.
Warning that such illegal activities, if unchecked, could spiral into “uncontrollable cross border infiltration resulting in breach of peace and tranquility in the District,” the administration said the sweeping curfew will remain in force for two months from the date of issue.
