: Prohibitory orders have been imposed along the India–Bangladesh border in Assam’s Cachar district to prevent illegal movement and activities that could threaten peace and security, an official statement said on Wednesday. The directive comes in the wake of concerns regarding possible infiltration by extremist elements and unauthorised cross-border activities that could disturb law and order in sensitive border areas. The order was issued by Cachar District Magistrate Mridul Yadav, exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with the objective of restricting the illegal movement of people, goods and other unlawful activities across the border.
According to the order, movement of individuals has been prohibited from sunset to sunrise within a one-kilometre belt along the district’s international border. Additionally, night-time movement on the River Surma and along its high banks within Indian territory has been prohibited.
The order stated that unchecked movement—particularly during the night hours—could facilitate illegal activities such as unauthorised transportation of essential commodities and cattle, posing serious challenges to public safety and security. The order also places stringent controls on boating and fishing activities on the Surma river. “Fishing will be allowed only for local residents and strictly for personal consumption, subject to prior permission from the Circle Officer, Katigorah, and adherence to existing lease conditions,” it stated.
It further stated that all permissions will be closely monitored, with copies endorsed to the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed at Dholchera, ensuring effective coordination between civil authorities and security forces.
“Transportation of essential commodities—including sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil and salt—has been restricted during night hours within a five-kilometre belt inside the district boundary along the Bangladesh border. Any relaxation will be granted only after due verification by supply officials and will be limited to specific purposes, locations and time frames,” the order stated. However, state and central government employees on official duty in the border areas have been exempted from these restrictions to ensure uninterrupted administrative and security operations.