Meghalaya-Bangladesh Border Under Constant Vigil, No Immediate Threat: CM Conrad Sangma
Chief Minister said Meghalaya shares around 440 kilometres of international border with Bangladesh, of which approximately 30–40 kilometres are yet to be fenced
Shillong: Responding to queries from journalists on the security situation along the Meghalaya–Bangladesh border amid political instability in neighbouring Bangladesh and reports of improving ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said that while border security is a sensitive national issue, the state government and all security agencies remain on high alert.
The Chief Minister said it would not be appropriate for him to comment on whether the border is “secure or insecure,” as matters related to international borders involve the Government of India, the Governor and central agencies. However, he assured that at the state level, all necessary measures are being taken.
Sangma revealed that a high-level security review meeting was held on December 24, Christmas Eve, involving the Border Security Force (BSF), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other concerned agencies. He said he deliberately avoided issuing a press release on the meeting as it pertained to internal security matters. Despite the holiday, he took time to attend the meeting due to its importance.
He informed that border areas are being continuously monitored and, at present, there is nothing major to be concerned about. “However, we have to be extremely alert and prepared in every possible way, and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
On border fencing, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya shares around 440 kilometres of international border with Bangladesh, of which approximately 30–40 kilometres are yet to be fenced. Most of the unfenced stretches are located in West Jaintia Hills and South Garo Hills, with small portions in a few other districts.
Sangma said delays in fencing are mainly due to local concerns, including issues related to village boundaries, land acquisition, objections from landowners, and ongoing court cases. He added that the state government has been actively working to resolve these issues.
He recalled that a review meeting on border fencing was held around four months ago, after which most cases were close to resolution. Expressing optimism, he said the remaining unfenced stretches, particularly the West Jaintia Hills section—around 30–40 kilometres—are expected to be completed soon.
The Chief Minister added that the Government of India is closely following up on the matter and that he has been in regular touch with authorities in New Delhi. “We are moving very aggressively on this,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening border security.
