SHILLONG, Feb 2: An NGO based in Meghalaya has voiced its objections regarding the planned fencing in certain border regions of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, arguing that this could result in local residents losing their land to Bangladesh.

The Coordination Committee for International Border (CCIB) expressed concerns that if the fence is constructed 150 yards from the Zero Line, it would effectively deprive landowners of their property.

According to the 2015 India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Protocol, both nations agreed to resolve border disputes through land exchanges, which included enclaves. The protocol also stipulates that the border fence should be positioned 150 yards, or approximately 137 meters, away, as Bangladesh considers this fencing a defense structure, which is prohibited under their bilateral agreement.

Kmen Myrchiang, the general secretary of CCIB, stated that many border residents were unaware of these agreements and were not consulted during the signing process.

As a result, numerous residents are reluctant to relinquish their land, which would lie beyond the proposed fence. Myrchiang suggested that the fencing should be placed only 5-10 meters from the Zero Line, similar to the approach taken in Tripura.

Some border areas in Meghalaya remain susceptible to illegal activities and infiltration due to the lack of fencing, which has faced opposition from landowners.

Nonetheless, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently reassured that the State Government is working to acquire the necessary land to ensure that the 443-km international border with Bangladesh can be completely fenced.