Prohibitory orders imposed along India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Cachar

The Assam administration imposed prohibitory orders along the India-Bangladesh border in Cachar district to curb illegal movement and cross-border activities. Restrictions include night-time movement bans, controls on river activities and transport of essential commodities to maintain law and order

Silchar: Prohibitory orders have been imposed along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Cachar district by the administration to prevent illegal movement, an official release said on Wednesday.

Preventive restrictions along sensitive border areas have been imposed due to apprehension over possible movement of extremist elements and unauthorised cross-border activities to disturb peace and stability, it said.

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District Magistrate Mridul Yadav, exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), issued the order on Tuesday aimed at preventing illegal movement of people, goods and activities.

It has been noted that unchecked movement, particularly during night hours, could facilitate unlawful activities, including unauthorised transportation of essential commodities and cattle, thereby posing serious challenges to law and order, the order stated.

Movement of individuals has been restricted from sunset to sunrise within a one-kilometre belt along the border of the district.

In addition, movement on the River Surma and along its high banks within the Indian territory has been prohibited during the night.

The order also places strict controls on boating and fishing activities on the Surma river.

Fishing will be permitted only for local residents and for personal consumption, subject to prior authorisation by the Circle Officer, Katigorah, and compliance with lease conditions.

Such permissions will be closely monitored, with copies endorsed to the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Dholchera, ensuring coordination between civil and security agencies.

Transportation of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil and salt has been restricted during night hours within a five-kilometre belt inside the district boundary along the Bangladesh border.

Any relaxation will be granted only after due verification by supply officials and for specific purposes, time and location, reinforcing transparency and accountability, the release added.

State and central government employees who are on official duty in the border areas have been exempted from these restrictions to ensure that essential administrative and security functions remain uninterrupted.