'Border fencing top priority of Meghalaya govt'

Shillong: Meghalaya government has prioritised completion of border fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh Border, Governor RS Mooshahary said on Friday.

"The 443 km International border poses its own problems in terms of influx, smuggling and easy transit routes to the militant groups of the region (North East India)," Mooshahary said while addressing the Budget Session of the Assembly.

He said, "expeditious completion of the border fencing is therefore a priority for the government."

The state government has also taken up with the Centre to intensify patrolling along the border, where human habitation and settlements are located near the border, to erect the fence at zero-line, the Governor said.

Mooshahary has also lamented the need of keeping a 'close watch' along the inter-state border with Assam in view of the ethnic clashes last year.

Taking note of the spurt of terror activities of the Garo Hills-based Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Garo Hills region and in pockets of West Khasi Hills district, the Governor said, "the state police and Central agencies are taking all steps to effectively counter anti-national and criminal activities."

Basing reports on how the state machineries are in control during important celebrations in the state including cultural festivals, Mooshahary said, "internal security and law and order situation has remained stable... There are no critical issues (as such)."