Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has urged the central government to construct a border fence closer to the “zero line” with Bangladesh, citing concerns about the current alignment impacting agricultural land and dividing communities.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed the state’s request on Tuesday, stating they had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs advocating for a fence closer to the actual border to address local grievances.
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The current fence, according to Tynsong, sometimes trespasses on land owned by individuals, families, or communities, leading to objections from village administrations who have appealed for adjustments.
This issue has been particularly pronounced in the Amlarem civil sub-division of West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills.
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While expressing support for border fencing in general, Tynsong emphasized firm opposition to any fencing that bisects villages or farmland.
He stated that district administrations have been instructed to halt any fencing activity in disputed areas like War Jaintia and Amlarem until a final decision is reached by the central government.