Meghalaya: KSU demands immediate removal of BSF base camp from Amlarem village

KSU alleged that the BSF personnel have been causing a lot of trouble for the residents of Amlarem, Jowai and adjoining areas

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), West Jaintia Hills District Unit met Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and demanded the immediate removal of the BSF base camp from Amlarem village alleging that the BSF personnel are harassing the locals.

The KSU wants the camp to be relocated to the Border Outposts (BOP) in Muktapur village which is closer to the India-Bangladesh international border.

The Students Union apprised Dy CM Tynsong of the hardships faced by residents of Amlarem village.

Speaking to the media, KSU West Jaintia Hills District Unit president Laitphar Syngkrem said, “The BSF base camp was supposed to be set up at Muktapur village near Dawki, however, the base camp has been set up at Amlarem village.”

He alleged that the BSF personnel have been causing a lot of trouble for the residents of Amlarem, Jowai and adjoining areas when they reach the BSF point while communicating from one place to another. The BSF forces check people’s goods, ask to show cash memos, and even force them to get the BSF commandant’s approval before taking things like food, and sugar, otherwise, they seize the goods for themselves.

Syngkrem said, “We strongly condemned the action of the BSF conducting illegal checking of local residents of Amlarem and adjoining areas.”

Stating that BSF is supposed to be guarding the international border, Syngkrem said that Amlarem is a village which is far away from the international border and that it is illegal for the BSF to conduct checking on local people.

KSU however warned that if the government failed to address the grievances of the people, it will take stern action.

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