Meghalaya govt dissatisfied with border fencing

Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai today said the fencing of the border along Bangladesh in the state was not satisfactory and he will take up the matter with the Centre.

Mr Rymbai told the State Assembly that the National Building Construction Corporation did not maintain the prescribed guidelines of the Union government in the construction of the fence.

'' We are aware that the fencing, supposed to be raised at a distance of 150 yards from the zero line, has at many places been constructed deep into Indian territory, '' Mr Rymbai said while replying to a short duration discussion, moved by Independent MLA Sengman R Marak.

The Chief Minister also informed that the government had directed the NBCC and GREF to prepare a fresh map showing the actual position of the fencing.

'' We have directed the NBCC to keep in abeyance the fencing work in areas of adverse possession with Bangladesh, '' he informed.

He said the fencing in Rongasor, Bilkona, Taraibari, Nolbari and Bagimbari villages bordering Bangladesh was constructed beyond 150 yards inside the Indian territory.

The irrigation project at Bombera village in South Garo Hills also falls beyond the fence as it has been erected more than 400 yards from the International border pillar, Mr Rymbai said adding ''even a playground of an upper primary school in Kanai village falls outside the border fence causing problem to the students.'' In this regard, the Chief Minister said the state government had written to the Centre and also directed South Garo Hills district Deputy Commissioner to conduct a magistireal enquiry.

'' I will take up the matter with New Delhi for an amicable solution to the problem, '' Mr Rymbai assured the Assembly.

The Chief Minister said the government was aware of the difficulties faced by the people in the border areas due to fencing.

Mr Rymbai maintained that the government was committed to ensure that genuine difficulties faced by the local people affected by the border fencing were solved.

UNI RRK SJC YA HT1805

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