CCIB ask Govt to clarify over border fencing

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 26, 2021

The Co-Ordination Committee on International Borders (CCIB) has sought clarification from the government of Meghalaya pertaining to land acquisition for construction of the Indo-Bangladesh Border fencing from Raid Lyting, Pyrdiwah (East Khasi Hills) to Jaliakhola (West Jaintia Hills) as per notifications issued to the land owners, to the Dolloi of Elakas, Sordars and village headmen of East Khasi Hills District and West Jaintia Hills;

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, CCIB general secretary Kmen Myrchiang said the official letters/ notifications/ notices inter-alia highlights the initiative of the government to complete the process of construction of the IBBF (Indo-Bangladesh Border Fencing) from Jaliakhola (BP- No. 1299) to Dawki (BP NO. 1273) in West Jaintia Hills.

He said the CCIB expressed shock and dismay over the manner under which the district administration(s) have chosen to undertake the project work at this abnormal time of pandemic, lockdown and restrictions imposed by the government in the state as well as at the centre, inspite of strong opposition to construct the fencing at 150 yards from the existing boundary pillars with Bangladesh, which also according to the survey conducted by the NBCC, the fencing line will practically at some places stands beyond a distance of 1km from the IBP.

He said the CCIB whose core members includes all the land owners, farmers, plantation workers in the border area with Bangladesh, the headmen, the Dollois, the Sordars, NGOs the KSU, FKJGP, HNYF needs a clarification from the government as to why the process of construction of the IBBF is initiated and undertaken when all the concerned land owners and stakeholders have clearly conveyed in words and writing about their strong disagreement and objections to this IBBF Project work in its present form. 

“Surprisingly, why the government and its officials keep pressing and forcing the land owners and stake holders to forcefully part their land when the Government itself is not at task of solving the problems through proper channel as per the agreements between India and Bangladesh,” Myrchiang said

He added, the CCIB, at different occasions for the last 18-20 years have strongly conveyed its strong opposition and protest to construct the IBBF in its present form without taking into consideration the aspiration of the people at the local area for Re-alignment of the existing temporary border pillars as per the different agreements between India and Bangladesh, and construction thereof of the IBBF at the Zero Line of the border so that no land is lost to the other side.

“Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya has not conveyed any reply on the demands submitted in person to him during the delegation of the CCIB with the Chief Minister on the 18th April 2018 inspite his commitment for the same that after his meeting with the central government on the very issue, He will inform the latter accordingly,” he said while adding that the CCIB is still awaiting the reply of the Chief Minister office on the application for appointment with the Chief Minister, submitted since 24th January 2019.