SHILLONG: A fresh flashpoint has emerged along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, with residents of Riwar Jaintia stepping up protests against the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) over alleged violations in the construction of border fencing and an access road. Locals warn that the project, if executed in its present form, could devastate farmlands, disrupt livelihoods, and choke future tourism prospects in the area.
Responding to mounting unrest, Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon, Lok Sabha MP from the Shillong constituency, carried out an extensive field visit on January 29. Trekking through the difficult terrains of Jaliakholia, Sankhat Khamsing and Padaswar under Amlarem Sub-Division in West Jaintia Hills, the MP met villagers and assessed the situation on the ground.
At the core of the dispute is the alleged violation of the mandatory 150-yard distance from the Zero Point while erecting the border fence. Addressing the media, Dr. Syngkon made it clear that residents are not opposed to national security measures but strongly object to what they describe as NBCC’s “deceptive” execution of the project.
“The people are not against the fence. They are against the violation of the mandatory 150-yard distance from the Zero Point,” the MP said.
He cautioned that any encroachment beyond the stipulated limit would result in irreversible losses for the local population, including fertile farmlands being cut off, betel nut plantations, the backbone of the local economy, becoming inaccessible and river access, a key asset for future tourism, being severed.
Dr. Syngkon’s visit also exposed a serious communication gap between NBCC officials and the Daloi of Elaka Satpator, which has significantly aggravated tensions on the ground. The MP termed the situation a governance failure and assured that immediate steps would be taken to resolve the impasse.
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He announced plans to convene a joint meeting involving district officials, the Doloi, and NBCC authorities, warning that failure to resolve the issue locally would compel him to escalate the matter to the Union Government.
Beyond the fencing controversy, Dr. Syngkon has called for a fundamental rethink of border management. In a formal communication to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he argued that border security cannot rely solely on the Border Security Force (BSF).
“Local residents are the real eyes and ears of the border. They know every trail and every movement,” he said, advocating a three-tier partnership involving Village Authorities, the BSF, and the State Government to effectively curb illegal infiltration.
As protests continue to simmer, the unfolding standoff in Riwar Jaintia has once again brought into sharp focus the delicate balance between national security, indigenous rights, and sustainable development along Meghalaya’s international borders.
