The Meghalaya government has raised serious concerns over security lapses along the Indo-Bangladesh border following an alleged attempt by intruders from Bangladesh to rob and abduct a villager in South West Khasi Hills earlier this month. Officials said the perpetrators exploited unfenced portions of the 444 km-long border, nearly 20 per cent of which remains vulnerable. On August 8, at least eight armed intruders entered Rongdangjiri village in Bagli, vandalised property, injured a civilian, and attempted to abduct a local resident. A joint operation by the BSF, Meghalaya Police, and Village Defence Parties later arrested one suspect, Akram of Sherpur, Bangladesh, during treatment for injuries sustained in the clash. Security forces recovered a Bangladeshi ID card, wireless sets, handcuffs, and weapons from the intruders.
In response to the incident, the state government deputed a three-member panel, comprising Kitborlang Nongrem, Vice Chairman of the Border Areas Development Committee, former MLA Himalaya M Shangpliang, and Mendiapbar legislator Marthon J Sangma, to assess border security in affected villages including Khonjoy, Rongdangjiri, and Maheshkhola. Villagers reported that hidden tracks and porous stretches of the border have long been exploited for illegal activities. “Though BSF outposts exist, certain stretches remain unguarded due to hilly terrain and lack of fencing, which intruders have exploited,” Sangma said. The committee urged authorities to take urgent steps to secure vulnerable areas, noting that such infiltrations pose a serious threat to residents, particularly women and children.
While nearly 80 per cent of the border has been fenced, officials acknowledged that difficult terrain and land disputes hinder completion. The state government assured villagers that preventive measures would be strengthened to protect border communities and prevent further incidents.