Jaintia body wants removal of BSF check post from EJH
JNC urges Tynsong to strengthen anti-infiltration check gate
Shillong, April 30: The Jaintia National Council has urged Home Minister Prestone Tynsong to remove the Border Security Force (BSF) check post from East Jaintia Hills and strengthen the infiltration check gate in the district.
In a letter to the minister, who also holds the portfolio of deputy chief minister, on Monday, the council members said, “After a series of incidents reported from across the district regarding harassment caused to the general public by BSF which has evoked criticism from various bodies we JNC condemn these incidents and appeal for immediate removal of the check post of BSF from places like Sonapyrdi, Umbluh, Dona where BSF has set up its mobile camps.”
The council also said the BSF failed to perform its duties and protect the border residents of the state. It pointed to the incident at Umkiang village where a resident, Sylvanus Dhar, died after “Bangladeshi nationals pelted stones”.
“BSF has also failed to check the illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into the district, drugs smugglings etc.” the council added.
Among other reasons that the council stated for the removal of BSF from the district was the harassment of villagers. It cited an incident in Sonapyrdi where BSF personnel “manhandled three youths from Thangskai and Lum Tongseng villages and also damaged their vehicle”.
The council feared an influx of illegal immigrants in the wake of the implementation of CAA and requested the government to strengthen the anti-infiltration check gate in the district.
