South Garo Hills, October 29: Villagers of Gandibor Songona in Gasuapara Block, South Garo Hills, apprehended a suspected Bangladeshi intruder who had allegedly crossed into Indian territory with a group of others to steal cattle and commit dacoity before handing him over to Gasuapara Police Station.
According to information received from local villagers, the incident occurred when a group of suspected Bangladeshi nationals allegedly crossed the India-Bangladesh international border with the intention of committing theft and dacoity in the area. Alert villagers of Gandibor Songona reportedly managed to apprehend one of the suspected intruders, while the others escaped. The apprehended person was subsequently handed over to Gasuapara Police Station, where villagers reportedly lodged a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident.
Villagers claimed that Minenggre, a village situated along the India-Bangladesh international border, has been witnessing frequent incidents of illegal entry by suspected Bangladeshi nationals allegedly involved in theft and other criminal activities. They also recalled a similar incident on October 3, when a group of alleged Bangladeshi dacoits reportedly entered Indian territory to commit dacoity. During that incident, villagers had also managed to apprehend one of the suspected intruders.
Expressing concern over repeated incidents along the international border, villagers said they had submitted complaints to the Border Security Force (BSF), including the 50th and 100th Battalions at the Gasuapara Border Outpost, seeking intensified patrolling and stronger security arrangements. They alleged that despite repeated complaints and requests for better border protection, effective measures had not been taken to prevent such incidents.
According to the villagers, residents of several border villages have experienced theft of cattle, household utensils, motorcycles and other belongings over the years. They claimed that these recurring incidents have created fear and insecurity among families living near the international border, particularly those residing in vulnerable and remote areas.
In a complaint letter, the villagers expressed concern that the lack of adequate security measures has left economically disadvantaged families exposed to repeated theft and other criminal activities. They maintained that stronger border surveillance, regular patrolling and coordinated security arrangements are urgently required to protect residents and their properties.
The villagers of the Gasuapara area have appealed to the Meghalaya Government and concerned security agencies to take immediate steps to strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh border and prevent further incidents of illegal entry and alleged criminal activities. They urged the authorities to prioritise the safety and security of border residents and ensure that villagers can live without constant fear of theft, intrusion and intimidation.
Reported by Tatu R. Marak
