Illegal construction by BGB at Dawki stopped: Rymbui

SHILLONG, JULY 2: The Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) has stopped its ongoing work to construct a border outpost  at Dawki in West Jaintia Hills district following objections raised by the Border Security Force (BSF).

This was informed by the Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui after a meeting with a delegation from the Darang Elaka and headman of Dawki on Thursday.

“On being informed, I had immediately spoken to the BSF, who has taken swift action to stop the construction of the BGB outpost,” Rymbui told reporters.

He said as per agreement between the two countries, any activities along the Indo-Bangla border should be 150 yard away from the zero line.

“I have also told the BSF to be vigilant and ensure such incidents do not occur in other stretches of the border,” Rymbui, who is also looking after the Border Area Development, said.

On the demand of the delegation to dismantle the structure, the minister said that the BSF has been asked to take necessary action on the matter.

“The BSF will follow according to the process but what is important here is that the BGB has not been allowed to proceed ahead with the construction of the outpost,” he said.

Asked, Rymbui however said that the government of Meghalaya cannot directly take up the issue with the Bangladesh government. “As this is an international issue, it has to be taken up through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs. However, the situation is within the control of the BSF as of now but for issues considered that are sensitive, the Centre’s intervention will be required,” he said.

Earlier, headman of Dawki Mankhraw Ryngksai said that the delegation has expressed strong opposition against the illegal construction by the BGB. “We also expressed surprise on the failure of the BSF to take action against this illegal encroachment of the BGB by constructing a permanent structure within our territory. We feel that the BSF should have objected against this,” he said.

He said in view of the inaction of the BSF, the delegation has sought the intervention of the minister. “We also demand the state government to ensure that the permanent structure should be dismantled,” he said.