Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury has assured the affected families living beyond the Indo-Bangla border fencing in Tripura that he will take up their plight with the Government of India to secure a sufficient rehabilitation package. His statement came during a visit to Motinagar under Sadar subdivision, where approximately 84 families have been living outside the barbed wire fencing due to an apparent border demarcation anomaly.
Background: The Indo-Bangla Border Fencing Issue
The fencing along the India-Bangladesh border was constructed under the directive of the Government of India to curb cross-border movement and illegal activities. According to international agreements, the fencing was to be built within 150 yards of the border inside Indian territory. However, in several locations, including Motinagar, the fencing has been erected more than 500 yards inside Indian land, effectively isolating Indian families from the rest of the country. These families remain Indian citizens but are cut off from essential government services and daily conveniences due to this fencing arrangement.
Challenges Faced by the Affected Families
During his visit, Chaudhury shed light on the dire situation of the residents who find themselves in a geographical and administrative limbo. He pointed out that essential government services such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), primary schooling, healthcare, and drinking water supplies are virtually non-existent for these families. The only government service they currently have access to is electricity, but even that is under threat.
“The authorities are attempting to snap the power supply to this area. When I was informed about the issue, I intervened and the move was temporarily halted. However, there is no assurance that the power supply will continue in the long run,” said Chaudhury.
Further compounding their hardships, new border movement guidelines have placed additional restrictions on these residents. Previously, they were allowed to cross the border gates until 8:00 PM. However, the new regulations prohibit movement after 5:30 PM, making it increasingly difficult for people engaged in menial jobs and transportation services to sustain their livelihoods.
Chaudhury’s Proposed Solutions
Chaudhury asserted that two potential solutions could be explored to address this long-standing issue.
- Relocation of the Border Fencing: He suggested that if the fencing is moved closer to the 150-yard mark, approximately 50% of the affected families would be brought within the secured Indian territory, thereby restoring their access to government services and rights.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Package: If relocating the fencing is not feasible, Chaudhury emphasized that all the families should be relocated within Indian territory and provided with adequate rehabilitation support. He assured the residents that he would take up their issue at both the state and central levels.
“If required, I will raise this matter with the Government of India. The state government and local administration must also come forward to find a permanent solution for these affected families,” he added.
The issue of border fencing anomalies has been a persistent challenge for several years, affecting multiple settlements along the Indo-Bangla border. While the fencing was initially installed for national security purposes, it has inadvertently created humanitarian challenges for Indian citizens residing beyond its perimeter. Chaudhury’s assurance brings renewed hope for these marginalized families, but it remains to be seen how soon a resolution can be reached.
