Guwahati, March 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the state assembly that the Indo- Bangladesh border along Assam’s Dhubri district is a ‘hot zone of crime’, including cattle smuggling and the BSF has to maintain strict vigil in the area.
While replying to a question by AIUDF legislator Nazrul Hoque, Sarma said, “The India-Bangladesh border is a sensitive area due to various reasons. Cattle smuggling, illegal trade of other items, etc are attempted frequently and hence, the BSF has to take a lot of precautionary steps.”
Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, said prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 are in force within 500 metres of the Indo-Bangla border from 6 pm to 5 am daily.
“In 2021, a total of 1181 cases were registered in the border district, 612 vehicles seized, 1326 people arrested, 13,000 cattle heads seized and 617 cattle-related cases were filed,” Assam CM informed the state assembly.
Hoque said that the markets in Dhubri district located two kilometres away from the international border are closed by the BSF personnel daily at 5 pm and the MLA wanted to know if there were any such instructions.
Sarma stated, “The BSF has to be strict in the area. It is a hot zone of crime. I am not aware of the BSF’s views on the matters raised by you.”
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