Amid security concerns arising from the current situation in Bangladesh and continued vulnerability of certain stretches of the frontier, the East Khasi Hills district administration has imposed a night curfew along Meghalaya’s border with the neighbouring country. The night curfew was declared on Tuesday by the District Magistrate from 8 pm to 6 pm, effective immediately, within a one-kilometre radius from the Zero Line. The curfew was imposed, invoking powers under Section 163 of BNSS. According to the order, issued ex-parte in view of the urgency, the curfew prohibits the movement of individuals attempting to cross the international boundary, any unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons carrying arms or objects that may be used as weapons, and all illegal activities including the smuggling of cattle, contraband goods, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, bidis, cigarettes and tea leaves. In the order that shall remain in force for two months from the date of issue unless modified earlier, the district administration stated that several portions along the border in East Khasi Hills remain porous and prone to infiltration by illegal migrants and individuals linked to organised crime and armed insurgent groups. District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah noted that the situation across the border has increased the likelihood of movement by unwanted elements, including members of proscribed militant groups, smugglers, and others involved in illegal activities, particularly during the night hours. The administration raised alarm that, if left unchecked, such movements could lead to uncontrolled cross-border infiltration and disrupt peace and tranquillity in the district. The state government, meanwhile, has sought to reassure the public that it remains actively engaged in tackling infiltration and influx. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the government has been consistently working to curb illegal immigration with teams from departments such as Labour and Tourism conducting checks in areas including Umling. Asked about reports of raids in South Garo Hills after the recent blast in Delhi, Dhar remarked that matters of that nature fall under the purview of the Home Department. On the demand for implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and the Inner Line Permit, he said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has been holding periodic meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further said that both the Chief Minister and the Home Minister had met the Governor last month to discuss related issues. The remarks from Dhar came a few days after the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) criticised the state government and the three autonomous district councils for their alleged inaction on the issue of infiltration. NESO chairman Samuel B Jyrwa had stated that the students’ organisation had repeatedly cautioned the government about the escalating threat even as no concrete action has been taken.