HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 18: Cachar district Magistrate Mridul Yadav imposed strict restrictions along the Indo-Bangladesh border. It has been done to maintain public order and curb illegal activities.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, aimed to prevent potential law and order disturbances arising from the movement of extremist elements and unauthorised transportation of commodities and cattle across the border.
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The district magistrate highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures to tackle the apprehended threats. He emphasised that swift action was crucial to prevent unlawful activities, which could disrupt peace and security in the region. The order imposed specific restrictions effective immediately and would remain in force for two months unless otherwise directed.
According to the directive, a night curfew has been implemented, prohibiting any movement within a one-kilometer belt along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar between sunset and sunrise. This measure aimed to curtail illegal cross-border activities and ensure heightened security during vulnerable hours.
In addition, a strict ban has been imposed on any movement on the river Surma and its high banks within the Indian territory of Cachar during the same hours. The order also restricted fishing activities on the river Surma, with exceptions only for local residents who obtain prior permission from the circle officer of Katigorah, along with authorization from the lessee. A copy of such permission must be submitted to the district magistrate and the commandant of the 170th Battalion BSF, Dholcherra.
To curb illegal transportation of essential commodities, the order prohibited carrying items such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, SK oil, and salt by any means, including vehicles, carts, or rickshaws, between sunset and sunrise within a five-kilometer belt inside the Cachar district boundary along the Bangladesh border. However, the Circle Officer of Katigorah Circle may grant special permits for transportation after verifying the purpose and obtaining clearance from local supply officials. Copies of these permits must be forwarded to the district magistrate and the commandant of the 170th Battalion BSF.
The order exempted state and central government employees on duty from these restrictions. Issued ex parte in the public interest, the directive came into force immediately and would be effective for two months from February 18, 2025. The district magistrate, through this order, has reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring that the interests of local residents were safeguarded through a regulated permit system. The cooperation of the public has been sought to uphold peace and security in the border areas during the enforcement of these measures.
