India imposes curfew on Sylhet border, night movement restricted

The Indian administration has restricted nighttime movement in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, nearer to Sylhet border.

As per the instruction, the movement of people will remain banned from 8PM to 6AM everyday.

The night curfew was imposed in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Khasi Hills districts from May 8. The state shares a 443-km-long border with Bangladesh.

While the prohibition in East Khasi Hills district will be in effect for two months, it will remain in force in the other two districts until further orders.

The decision was taken after inputs were received indicating a likelihood of cross-border movements, a senior home department official told PTI.

Local residents said that on Thursday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) faced obstacles during a joint survey of both countries at the Tamabil border in Sylhet. The survey was stopped due to objections from local people.

It is believed that the Indian administration decided to impose restrictions on the border following this incident.

In an order, East Jaintia Hills district magistrate Shivansh Awasthi said that areas in the district bordering Bangladesh are not completely fenced, they are highly prone to infiltration by illegal migrants, members of organised crime having a link to anti-national elements, including armed insurgent groups, during night hours.

“Now, therefore, I do hereby imposed night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am up to 500 metres from the Zero Line prohibiting the movement of people along the border, unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons, carrying of arms or other instruments in and around the border,” the order read.