Cachar Administration Implements Night Restrictions Along Indo-Bangladesh Border

New Restrictions to Enhance Border Security

Silchar, June 17: In response to intelligence reports indicating potential movements of extremist groups near the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Cachar district administration has enacted night-time restrictions in critical border areas to uphold security and deter illegal activities.

The restrictions will be effective for two months from the date of issuance, unless they are altered or lifted sooner.

District Magistrate Mridul Yadav has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to implement these prohibitory measures immediately.

This directive, aimed at safeguarding public interest, seeks to mitigate possible law and order issues and prevent unauthorized transport of goods and livestock across border regions.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta stated that rigorous surveillance is being enforced, with regular patrols conducted in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure the area's safety.

As per the notification, the order restricts movement of individuals from sunset to sunrise within a 1-km radius along the Indo-Bangladesh border in the district.

Similar restrictions are also in place for activities on the Surma river and its elevated banks within the district's jurisdiction.

Moreover, fishing or boating in the Surma river during nighttime is prohibited unless local residents secure prior approval from the Circle Officer of Katigorah.

Such permissions must be coordinated with the leaseholder and reported to both the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion of the BSF, located at Dholcherra.

The order further restricts the transport of essential goods—including rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil, kerosene, and salt—during the restricted hours within a five-kilometre zone of the border.

Conditional exemptions may be granted by the Circle Officer of Katigorah after thorough verification in conjunction with supply officials. All approvals must be communicated to both the DM’s office and the BSF Commandant.

However, state and central government officials on official duties in border areas are exempt from these restrictions.