Assam’s Cachar district imposes night curfew near Indo-Bangla border, tightens security

In a significant move to curb potential security threats, Assam’s Cachar district administration has imposed a night curfew and additional restrictions on movement near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The measures, which came into effect on Tuesday, aim to prevent illegal cross-border activities and maintain law and order in the sensitive region.

According to an official order issued by Cachar district commissioner Mridul Yadav, the decision was taken to counteract possible disturbances caused by the movement of extremist elements and unauthorized transportation of goods and cattle across the border. The order was enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers magistrates to implement preventive measures to maintain peace.

Key restrictions imposed:

A night curfew will be enforced within a one-kilometer stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district from sunset to sunrise for the next two months.
No movement will be allowed on the river Surma and its high banks during night hours, except for local residents who obtain special permission.
Fishing activities on the river Surma are restricted, with permits required from the Circle Officer of Katigorah and the designated lessee.
Strict prohibition on carrying essential commodities such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, and salt within a five-kilometer belt along the border during night hours. Exceptions can be made with special permits issued by the Circle Officer, subject to approval from local supply officials.

The administration has assigned the responsibility of issuing special permits to the Circle Officer of Katigorah Circle, who must forward copies of these approvals to both the district magistrate and the commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) for record-keeping.

Enhanced security measures in place

To enforce these restrictions, the Cachar superintendent of police (SP) Numal Mahatta confirmed that night patrols have been intensified along the Indo-Bangla border. The district police, in coordination with BSF personnel, have ramped up surveillance to curb illegal movement and ensure regional stability.

“Cachar Police, in collaboration with the BSF, conducted meticulous night patrols along the Indo-Bangla border, fortifying security measures and instilling enduring peace and stability in the region,” Mahatta stated.

The district administration has yet to clarify the specific reasons for the new restrictions, but sources indicate a growing concern over unauthorized cross-border activities. These measures are expected to help authorities keep a closer watch on movements along the border, preventing potential threats and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.