Shillong, Dec 1: The Border Security Force (BSF) has expressed concern over the activities of fundamentalism along the border.
Addressing a press conference as part of the 61st raising day of the BSF, the Inspector General (IG), BSF, Meghalaya Frontier OP Upadhyay said that in less than two years, there have been reports of increased fundamentalist activities on the Bangladesh border.
“We are naturally taking precautions, and we are alert on this issue, and we will take all preventive measures to counter the ill effects of this phenomenon,” he said.
The IG BSF said the force is coordinating with other intelligence agencies
Uphahyay admitted that the areas bordering Assam are vulnerable to fundamentalist activities.
South West Garo Hills, those areas near Assam, bordering the state with eastern Assam, like East Jaintia Hills, are vulnerable areas.
“In Khasi Hills, we do not have such reports because of the geographical features and challenges and the awareness in the people,” he said.
Fencing status
The progress of fencing along the India-Bangladesh Border is encouraging, he said.
Upadhyay said in the past year, the BSF was able to construct and operationalise around 20 km of fencing, thereby reducing the gaps along the border with Bangladesh.
The IG, BSF said with the support of the state machinery, including Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, recently, the BSF was able to get possession of 21 km of land where soon border fencing will start.
He hoped that by the end of 2026, the BSF would be able to fill the gaps in the India-Bangladesh border fence.
On the local population’s demand to start fencing from the “Zero Line”, the IG, BSF said that the demand is not practical, pointing to the fact that international conventions and terrain compulsions, wherein the fencing should be put up 150 meters from the Zero Line.
Modernisation
He also informed that the BSF has put up advanced security surveillance equipment.
“Hopefully, in the near future also we will be putting up very advanced surveillance equipment and I am hopeful that with the induction of such apparatus, we will be able to dominate, monitor and review our border security in a very effective manner,” Upadhyay said.
According to him, technology is a force multiplier, and with its use, the BSF will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the manpower.
The unfenced border now is roughly 49 km.
Upadhyay said from January to November 2025, contraband items worth Rs. 24.43 crore, like yaba tablets, ganja, phensedyl, liquor, cattle, saree and other miscellaneous items were seized by the BSF.
During the same period, 449 persons, including Bangladeshi/Rohingya nationals and also Indian nationals, were apprehended for attempting to cross the border illegally.
