The Cachar district administration in Assam has imposed a night curfew along the Indo-Bangladesh border to combat extremist activity and curb smuggling. The order, issued by District Magistrate Mridul Yadav, aims to maintain public order and security while preventing illegal cross-border activities.
The curfew, which falls under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), came into effect immediately and will remain in force for two months unless modified. The move is seen as a major step toward enhancing security measures in the sensitive border region.
The Cachar district, which shares an international border with Bangladesh, has witnessed persistent issues related to smuggling and illegal activities. The enforcement of the curfew is aimed at tackling cattle and goods smuggling across the border, unregulated movement of extremist elements that pose a threat to security, and potential disruptions in law and order due to unauthorized cross-border transportation.
According to the official statement released on Tuesday, the curfew is a preventive measure to maintain peace and prevent unlawful activities from escalating.
As per the district magistrate’s directive, the curfew covers a one-kilometer radius of the Indo-Bangladesh border, restricting movement from sunset to sunrise. It extends to the Surma River and its high banks, where fishing activities are restricted. Exceptions will be made only for local residents, provided they obtain prior permission from the Katigorah Circle Officer and approval from the lessee.
The border region is known for being a hotspot for illegal cattle transportation, drug smuggling, and other illicit activities. Authorities believe that tightening security measures during nighttime hours will help deter these unlawful actions.
To ensure strict implementation of the curfew, the Cachar administration has deployed additional security forces along the border region, night patrolling teams to monitor movement, and increased surveillance and checkpoints to prevent unauthorized activities.
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, in coordination with local authorities, will intensify border monitoring and take necessary action against violators. The curfew is expected to bring mixed reactions from the local population. While many support the initiative as a means to strengthen security, others are concerned about the impact on daily activities and livelihoods.
Some of the potential benefits include enhanced security and stability in the border region, reduction in smuggling and extremist infiltration, and improved law enforcement efficiency through controlled movement.
Challenges and concerns include restricted movement for local farmers and traders who rely on cross-border commerce, fishing restrictions in the Surma River affecting those dependent on river-based livelihoods, and limited access for emergency situations requiring special permissions. The district administration has assured that genuine local residents with valid reasons for movement will be given special permissions upon request.
The Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Barak Valley region, which includes Cachar, has been a hotspot for illegal trade. The most common activities include cattle smuggling, where animals are illegally transported from India to Bangladesh, drug trafficking involving narcotics like heroin and yaba tablets, human trafficking with undocumented migration posing security risks, and extremist infiltration with reports of militant elements using border routes to evade law enforcement.
Past crackdowns by BSF and Assam Police have led to multiple arrests and seizures of contraband, but the challenges persist. The night curfew is a step towards tightening border security and discouraging unlawful activities.
The Assam government has been actively working to strengthen border control mechanisms. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly emphasized the importance of increasing security personnel along sensitive border areas, enhancing technological surveillance including drone monitoring, and coordinating with BSF to seal porous border points used for illegal crossings.
The enforcement of the night curfew is seen as an extension of these efforts, aligning with the state’s broader strategy to ensure national security. The night curfew imposed along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Cachar district marks a major step in combating cross-border smuggling and extremist threats.
While the restrictions may pose challenges for local residents, the initiative aims to safeguard the region from illegal activities that have long plagued the area. With enhanced security measures and strict enforcement, the Assam government hopes to create a safer environment along the international border, ensuring both law and order and national security.
