Border fencing needed, but not at the cost of villagers: Meghalaya Dy CM Prestone Tynsong

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has assured residents of Lyngkhong and other affected border villages that the state government will take up their concerns with the Centre regarding the ongoing construction of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.

The assurance comes amid growing concerns among villagers who have opposed the proposed alignment of the fence, claiming that its construction around 150 yards from the zero line could leave parts of their settlements and agricultural land outside the fenced area.

Speaking on the issue, Tynsong clarified that the people of Meghalaya are not opposed to border fencing and fully recognize its importance for national security.

"The people of the state are not at all against the fencing. Border fencing is a must and it is very necessary," he said.

However, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the current alignment of the fence has created practical difficulties for some border communities. According to him, in villages such as Lyngkhong, a portion of the settlement could end up outside the fenced area. Similarly, agricultural land that villagers cultivate every year may also fall beyond the proposed fencing.

Tynsong said the state government has discussed the issue and plans to apprise the Government of India of the concerns raised by local residents. He suggested that, wherever feasible, authorities should consider shifting the fencing closer to the zero line so that inhabited areas and farmland remain within the fenced zone.

"We would like to apprise this issue to the Government of India and, if possible, request that the fencing be taken further down towards the zero line so that the land being used for farming activities is not wasted," he said.

Responding to a question on whether the matter would be formally taken up with the Centre, Tynsong confirmed that the state government would pursue the issue.

Residents of Lyngkhong and other affected villages have been expressing concerns that the present fencing plan could adversely impact their livelihoods by restricting access to farmland and creating difficulties for families whose homes may fall outside the security barrier.

The development highlights the challenges involved in balancing national security requirements with the interests and welfare of border communities that depend on agricultural land located close to the international boundary.

The Meghalaya government is expected to engage with central authorities in the coming days to seek a solution that addresses both security concerns and the needs of local residents.