The Cachar district administration in Assam has taken decisive action to tighten security along its sensitive international frontier. Citing serious apprehensions about the potential movement of extremist elements and unauthorized cross-border activities, authorities have imposed a set of stringent preventive restrictions along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
District Magistrate Issues Ex-Parte Order
Acting on these security concerns, District Magistrate Mridul Yadav invoked special powers to implement the measures. On Tuesday, he issued an ex-parte order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The order is specifically designed to pre-empt any activities that could disturb public order and compromise national security in the border region.
The core directive restricts the movement of both people and goods during night hours. This proactive step aims to curb any illicit movement under the cover of darkness, which is often exploited for illegal crossings and smuggling operations.
Scope of the Restrictions
The restrictions are geographically precise and comprehensive. Movement of individuals is completely prohibited from sunset to sunrise within a one-kilometre belt along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district. It is crucial to note that Cachar shares a 32-kilometre-long border with Bangladesh, making this a significant security zone.
The clampdown extends beyond land. Authorities have also barred night-time movement on the river Surma and along its high banks within Indian territory. Vigilance has been significantly stepped up in these areas. Furthermore, boating and fishing activities on the Surma river have been placed under strict regulation to monitor and control all riverine traffic effectively.
Implications and Heightened Vigilance
The order reflects the administration's heightened state of alert. By controlling movement along this 1-km buffer zone and the strategic Surma river, the administration aims to create a formidable barrier against potential security threats. The use of an ex-parte order underscores the urgency and sensitivity of the situation, allowing for immediate implementation without prior notice to address the perceived imminent risk.
This move is expected to impact local communities residing in the border belt, who will need to adjust their activities according to the new night-time curbs. However, the administration prioritizes overarching security concerns for the district and the nation. The measures highlight the ongoing challenges of managing porous riverine and land borders and the continuous efforts required to safeguard territorial integrity in sensitive regions like Assam's Barak Valley.
