KSU & seven Dorbar Shnong demands revocation of Section 144 CrPC imposed along Indo-Bangla border

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 12, 2024

The Khasi Students’ Union – War Jaiñtia Circle and Dorbar Shnong of seven villages along Indo-Bangla border in West Jaintia Hills District jointly appealed for the revocation of the prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC imposed one month back.

The prohibitory order imposed on February 9 was to prevent trans-border crime, including smuggling and other illegal activities on the Indo-Bangladesh Border. The order restricted the functioning of Haats, Bazaars, and shops between 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM within 1 km from the Indo-Bangladesh Border, as well as vehicular movement or pedestrian movement within 5 km of the border belt from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

The appeal for revocation of the prohibitory order was made in joint letter to the District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills signed by President KSU War Jaintia Circle Lop Stevenson Khonglah and representatives of Bakur, Dawki, Hawai Bhoi Amsia, Sankhat, Muktapur, and Riahjalong,

The letter said, “We firmly believe that alternative measures can be adopted to address the issue of smuggling and illegal activities along the border, without infringing upon the fundamental rights and freedoms of the local populace.”

The KSU and the seven Dorbar Shnong observed the unilateral decision, made without prior consultation with the local Dorbar heads or the affected communities, has profoundly unsettled the residents of the seven villages.

They stated, “While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by the Border Security Force (BSF) regarding smuggling activities along the border, we find it unacceptable that the district administration would resort to such stringent measures solely at the insistence of the BSF, without adequately considering the implications on the livelihoods and freedoms of our populace.”

The affected area due to imposition of Section 144 CrPC suffered from inadequate socio-economic development and dreadful road conditions.

The imposition of such restrictions would further exacerbate the challenges faced by impoverished farmers and traders, hindering their already difficult circumstances.

The prescribed restrictions significantly hinder the movement of villagers and disrupt economic activities such as markets, shops, and the tourism sector, instilling a sense of fear and insecurity among the populace.

It is essential to emphasize that smuggling has persisted in the border areas along the international border since time immemorial.

Asserting that the urgency in imposing Section 144 CrPC to curb such activities is highly illogical, the letter claimed that the notification failed to acknowledge and overlooks the fact that there are numerous villages within 5 km from the international border, and by invoking such Section 144, it would inevitably disrupt the daily lives of our villagers, particularly during market days, Sunday evening services, or social ceremonies.

“We fear that the BSF might misuse this section as a weapon against innocent people, leading to further distrust and tension between the security forces and the local community,” said the KSU and seven Dorbar Shnong.

The Dorbar Shnong holds significant influence and does not encourage or condone any activities that contravene the law or jeopardize national security and sovereignty, including smuggling or any other illicit social endeavors.

They also alleged that the BSF has engaged in unlawful actions such as shootings, vandalism, and assaults on Indian civilians, falsely labeling them as smugglers and terrorists.

“Such extrajudicial actions not only violate the rights of innocent civilians but also undermine the rule of law and democratic values,” the letter informed.

These occurrences have eroded the trust and confidence of the people in the BSF, and they feared that the imposition of Section 144 CrPC will only serve to exacerbate tensions and lead to further abuses of power by the security forces.

“We demand that any decisions affecting our lives and communities be made through transparent and consultative processes, with the active participation of the local Dorbar Shnong and its representatives,” said the letter.