Shillong, August 14: The Meghalaya government has asked the Union Home Ministry to persuade Bangladesh to permit border fencing closer to the international boundary in order to secure a 40-km unfenced stretch, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.

Under current international norms, fencing is built 150 yards inside a country’s territory. However, in Meghalaya’s case, this would leave several villages between the fence and the border, creating a “no man’s land” and exposing residents to security risks. “We have urged the MHA to convince Bangladesh that, given the ground realities, we should be allowed to go closer to the main border pillar to avoid fencing outside the villages,” Tynsong stated.

The push follows an incident in Rongdangai village where six members of an armed gang, reportedly led by a Bangladesh Police constable, allegedly crossed into Indian territory, assaulted a shopkeeper, and looted valuables. One suspect, accused of hurling explosives, has fled back to Bangladesh.

Reviewing security along the India-Bangladesh border from East Jaintia Hills to Dalu in Garo Hills, Tynsong instructed all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to adopt proactive measures against infiltration. Joint operations involving the Border Security Force (BSF), Meghalaya Police, and Village Defence Parties (VDPs) are underway to secure all exit routes and flush out suspects.

The state has already submitted a report on the arrests to the Ministry of Home Affairs, clarifying that the incident was a criminal act with the intent to rob. Both the BSF and state police have declared “operation alert” to strengthen border security. “With close coordination between agencies, I am confident we will overcome these challenges,” Tynsong added.