Border fencing project awaits Bangladesh govt clearance: BSF IG

Speaking to media persons on Friday, BSF Inspector General (IG), Hardeep Singh said almost 70 percent of the 448 kilometers border of Meghalaya with Bangladesh is fenced.

He however said there are few patches which need some clearance from the Bangladesh government.

“We have already taken up with them (Bangladesh government) and it is in the process and we will receive the clearance very soon so that the whole border will be fenced very soon,” Singh informed.

The BSF IG said there are 13 areas some of which are of 100 meters and some are of 200 meters, where border fencing is required to be laid beyond 150 yards from the IB and which clearance from the neighbouring country is also needed.

“We have already taken up with the concerned deputy commissioners and also with the chief secretary sp that fencing is laid wherever land acquisition is pending,” he said.

On the demand for construction of the border fencing at zero line, Singh said, “There are people in some areas who have demanded that fencing should be at the zero lien but it is not possible to lay the fencing at the zero line because as per the agreement with the Bangladesh government, you can’t have such infrastructure at the zero line that is beyond the 150 yards near the border.”

Asked, Singh said although it is difficult to give a specific timeline he hoped that within a year, construction of the border fencing will be completed.

According to him, the government of India has already allocated funds for the purpose and the construction agency is also ready to lay the fencing.

“We have had meetings with the concerned deputy commissioners on a regular basis. I have also met the chief secretary and he has assured that payment will be made to the landowners and fencing will be completed soon,” he stated.

It may be mentioned here that the Coordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) has been protesting against the fencing project from Dawki to Jaliakhola.

By Our Reporter