SHILLONG: Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin has expressed optimism over the possible reopening of Border Haats along the Indo-Bangladesh border, while raising serious concerns over a growing human-wildlife conflict in his constituency.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Suin addressed a range of issues affecting border residents, including trade, security, and the increasing presence of wild elephants.
The Border Haats at Lalpani and Ringku, which have remained closed for nearly a year due to political instability in Bangladesh and concerns over infiltration, may soon resume operations.
“With the installation of the new government in Bangladesh, normalcy is returning. I am hopeful that the Border Haats will reopen within the next one to two months,” Suin said, adding that the earlier closure was a precautionary step during a period of unrest.
However, the MLA highlighted a pressing concern—an unprecedented presence of a herd of five wild elephants that has been wreaking havoc in the constituency over the past year.
He said the elephants have damaged crops and several homes, creating widespread fear among villagers. “People are now afraid even to sow paddy seeds due to the looming threat,” Suin noted.
To address the issue, the MLA recently met with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and is pushing for measures to drive the herd out of the area. He is also pursuing a proposal to bring the affected region under an ‘Elephant Project’ to better manage the escalating human-wildlife conflict.
The herd is believed to have entered the constituency through Ranikor and Balpakram and has repeatedly returned despite efforts to drive it away.
On border security, Suin downplayed concerns over large-scale infiltration, even while acknowledging that certain riverine stretches remain porous. He credited the Border Security Force (BSF) for maintaining strict vigilance.
“There have been a few isolated cases of infiltration, but those involved were promptly apprehended and pushed back,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the BSF’s performance, Suin highlighted strong cooperation between security forces and local communities. He added that although Village Defence Parties (VDPs) may not be formally active, local youth and village groups continue to play a crucial role in monitoring the border.
