Assam minister announced that Bangladeshi border guards have objected to the construction of fencing along a 4.35-kilometer stretch of the India-Bangladesh border in Assam. The objection has halted work in that segment, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing the international boundary.
Details of the Objection
According to the minister, the objection was raised by the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) during a recent coordination meeting. The disputed stretch is located in the Dhubri district, where the border terrain is complex. The minister did not specify the exact reason for the objection but noted that such disagreements are not uncommon and are usually resolved through bilateral discussions.
Unfenced Areas Due to Rivers
Apart from the 4.35 km where work has been stalled, there is no fencing along 34.609 km of the border in Assam because this portion falls in rivers. Of this, 30.37 km is in Dhubri and 4.239 km is in South Salmara-Mankachar. The minister explained that fencing in riverine areas is technically challenging and often leads to disputes over the exact boundary line.
Impact on Border Security
The unfenced stretches, including the 4.35 km under objection, pose security concerns such as illegal immigration and smuggling. The central government has been pushing for complete fencing of the India-Bangladesh border, but progress has been slow due to topographical hurdles and bilateral issues. The minister assured that efforts are underway to resolve the objection through diplomatic channels.
Government Response
The Assam government has urged the central government to expedite talks with Bangladesh to resolve the fencing issue. The minister emphasized that securing the border is a priority, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure completion of the fencing project. He also mentioned that alternative measures like technological surveillance are being considered for riverine areas.
