High alert: India Declares Curfew on India-Bangladesh Border
- Bangladesh India International Affairs South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
The Indian government has declared a night-time curfew along the India-Bangladesh border, particularly in the areas of Assam that share a boundary with Bangladesh. This move comes amidst heightened security concerns, with officials citing reasons such as illegal infiltration, smuggling, and cross-border crimes as primary factors. The situation has put security agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Assam police, on high alert, ensuring that stringent measures are in place to maintain law and order in the region. Authorities have intensified surveillance and patrolling along the border areas of Assam, both in land and riverine regions. The curfew, which has been imposed under Act-163 of the Bhartiya Nyay Samhita, restricts movement from sunset to sunrise within a 1 km stretch along the international border. It also extends to a 5 km belt in some districts adjacent to the restricted area. The Surma River, a natural boundary between the two countries, has also been brought under strict surveillance. As a result, fishermen have been restricted from sailing in specific locations to prevent any unauthorized cross-border movement.
A curfew along international borders is generally imposed when there is a perceived security threat or illegal activities increase. Various speculations have arisen regarding the necessity of this curfew, with many believing that it was prompted by a breach in security or a rise in illegal cross-border movements. However, government officials have clarified that this measure is primarily to prevent infiltration, animal smuggling, and other illicit activities that have been a persistent concern in the region.
According to Mridul Yadav, who issued the curfew order, the primary goal is to maintain law and order while curbing unauthorized movement that could pose a threat to national security. Reports indicate that this is not a new policy but rather a reinforcement of existing rules that were previously in place but are now being enforced with greater rigour.
The curfew has also impacted the movement of goods and essential commodities across the region. Various transport vehicles carrying sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, and salt have been restricted from travelling during night hours. Traders and transporters have expressed concerns over potential disruptions in supply chains, though officials have assured that these restrictions are temporary and necessary for ensuring security.
Numal Mahatta, a senior security official, has stated that night-time movement along the border has increased significantly, leading to stricter enforcement of the curfew. He also emphasized that the curfew is aimed at securing the border while minimizing its impact on civilians as much as possible. While security measures are being strengthened on the Indian side, diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh regarding border disputes are actively ongoing. Officials from both countries have been participating in high-level meetings to resolve longstanding issues and ensure peaceful coexistence along the border. The India-Bangladesh border has historically been a sensitive zone, with incidents of illegal migration, cattle smuggling, and human trafficking being major concerns. The Indian and Bangladeshi governments have been working together to address these challenges through cooperative security initiatives and enhanced border management strategies.
