Movement restrictions imposed along Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar

way2barak, October 14: In view of growing concerns over potential extremist movements and unauthorized cross-border activities, the District Magistrate of Cachar, Mridul Yadav, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The directive aims to maintain law and order and curb illegal transport of goods and cattle along sensitive areas adjoining the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The order states that no person shall move between sunset and sunrise within a one-kilometre belt of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district. Restrictions have also been placed on movement along the Surma river and its high banks during the same period, within the territory under India’s jurisdiction. In addition, boating in the river for fishing purposes has been prohibited unless special permission is granted by the Circle Officer of Katigorah for personal consumption, in consultation with the lessee and with due intimation to the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion, BSF, Dholcherra.

Further, the order strictly forbids the transportation of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, kerosene, and salt between sunset and sunrise within a five-kilometre belt inside the district boundary along the Bangladesh border. However, in special cases, the Circle Officer of Katigorah may grant relaxation for specific purposes, times, and locations after due verification from local supply officials, with mandatory copies sent to the District Magistrate and the BSF Commandant.

The order, issued ex-parte in the interest of public safety, comes into immediate effect and will remain valid for two months unless revoked or modified earlier. The restrictions, however, will not apply to State and Central Government officials on official duty in the border areas.

District Magistrate Mridul Yadav emphasized that the preventive measures are aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the border belt and at averting any activities that could disturb public tranquility or national security.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of information and public relations Barak valley zone Silchar Assam.