SHILLONG:
The Indo–Bangladesh border in Meghalaya is turning into a pressure point, as a steady stream of infiltrators continues to slip past fences, checkpoints, and patrols. From Byrnihat to the remotest border outposts, Meghalaya’s security forces are in a constant tug-of-war with infiltrators determined to cross from Bangladesh.
The recent arrest of five Bangladeshi nationals for assaulting a youth from Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills, along with the detection of seven others at the Byrnihat Anti-Infiltration Gate in Ri Bhoi, has reignited concerns over security along the porous India–Bangladesh border.
Meghalaya shares a 443-km frontier with Bangladesh. While much of it has been fenced, around 40–50 km remain open due to challenges such as steep terrain, river stretches, landowner protests, and disputes over the exact alignment.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma clarified that the fencing project is a matter of national policy and falls outside the state government’s jurisdiction, meaning exceptions cannot be made at the state level. He noted that while the state is working to address related concerns, certain demands are beyond its authority.
To ease local opposition, Deputy Commissioners have been engaging with communities in affected areas, aiming to resolve objections through dialogue and consensus-building. Sangma added that the government continues to work closely with grassroots stakeholders to find a viable way forward.
Attack, Kidnapping & Arrest in South West Khasi Hills
In a shocking cross-border crime, a 21-year-old youth from Rongdangai village under Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills was attacked and abducted on August 8 by an armed group of suspected Bangladeshi criminals.
Following the incident, a massive joint manhunt was launched by the Border Security Force (BSF), Meghalaya Police, and local residents. So far, five suspects have been arrested — including one believed to be a Bangladeshi policeman.
Speaking to 4Front Media, South West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Banraplang Jyrwa said eight individuals were allegedly involved in the crime. “Five are already in custody, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining three,” he stated.
On whether one of the accused is a serving policeman, Jyrwa said confirmation is awaited. “We have written to the High Commission of India for official verification. Inputs suggest the person in question was dismissed from service last year,” he explained.
Police are also investigating the possible involvement of an Indian national in aiding the perpetrators. “We have information about a man who speaks fluent Garo — the dominant local language — who allegedly helped the accused enter Meghalaya and carry out the crime. His nationality is yet to be confirmed, and he remains at large,” the SP said.
Commenting on border security, Jyrwa noted that two BSF battalions guard the South West Khasi Hills stretch of the Indo–Bangladesh border, with regular patrols in place. However, he admitted that infiltrators often exploit darkness, dense forests, and steep terrain to slip through undetected.
“A case has been registered and will be chargesheeted,” Jyrwa confirmed. Meanwhile, the victim has been shifted to Shillong Civil Hospital, where he is recovering.
Vigilance at Meghalaya’s Borders: 7 Bangladeshi Nationals Detained at Byrnihat
Authorities — from village leaders and police to traditional institutions and pressure groups — continue to maintain strict vigilance to prevent illegal entry from Bangladesh into Meghalaya.
On August 9, personnel at the Anti-Infiltration Check Gate in Byrnihat intercepted and detained seven Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter the state illegally. The group, comprising three men, two women, and two minors, was traveling in a local passenger vehicle from Byrnihat to Nongpoh, carrying their personal belongings.
As part of 4Front Media’s Ground Report series, the detection was captured on camera. In the video, the detainees admitted they had entered India last year through an agent who had promised them jobs in Bangalore. One man said he had been staying there until the government deported them, prompting their attempt to pass through Meghalaya in hopes of finding a route back to Bangladesh.
When asked about their stop in Nongpoh, he explained he planned to search for work there and remain if successful; if not, he would move around seeking daily-wage jobs.
One woman revealed she had paid Rs 20,000 to gain entry into India, with work in Bangalore already arranged for her. However, she eventually travelled to Meghalaya intending to return to Bangladesh, planning to disembark at Nongpoh and walk the rest of the way.
Police confirmed that the detainees would be handed over to Byrnihat Police Station for further legal action. Officers also noted that the Byrnihat Anti-Infiltration Check Gate apprehends between 10–25 people daily attempting to illegally cross into Meghalaya.
WATCH THE RELATED VIDEO (KHASI)
Byrnihat Check Gate Flags 10–25 Suspected Illegal Entrants Daily
Morken L. Mawlong, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Infiltration Check Gate at Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi District, revealed that the unit apprehends between 10 and 25 individuals every day for attempting to enter Meghalaya without valid documents.
The surge is partly linked to ongoing eviction drives in Assam, which have pushed undocumented residents to seek refuge in neighbouring states, particularly Meghalaya.
Situated on a key transit route, Byrnihat sees a constant flow of vehicles from multiple states. Mawlong explained that checks are carried out in two categories:
- Transit travellers – Required to show one of three documents (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport) to prove Indian nationality.
- Migrant workers – Must produce a labour card, voter ID, or Aadhaar card if they intend to work in Meghalaya. Without proper documents, they are turned back.
“In cases where documents appear suspicious, we send them back and ask them to return with proper paperwork,” Mawlong said.
He cited space constraints as the biggest operational challenge. “The checking area is too small to handle thorough inspections without causing traffic jams. Still, we do our best,” he noted.
Mawlong added that follow-up inspections are also conducted at construction sites, in collaboration with the Labour Department, to ensure illegal entrants do not secure work in the state.
As Meghalaya tightens its checks and hunts down infiltrators, the porous stretches of the Indo–Bangladesh border remain a relentless test of the state’s security apparatus.
ALSO WATCH RELATED VIDEO (KHASI)
