Assam cancels Bihu functions amid heightened security measures along India-Bangladesh border
Guwahati: Owing to prevailing situation in the country, Assam Chief Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma
urged the people for the cancellation of all remaining Bihu functions scheduled from May 10 onwards, while Meghalaya government-imposed night curfew in areas along the 40 km unfenced portion of the India-Bangladesh border in the state.
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Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, security along the northeastern states' borders with Bangladesh was tightened, and several precautionary measures were taken.
Of the 1,880 km frontiers between the northeastern states and Bangladesh, vast areas are already fenced, but some stretches remain unfenced.
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Among the precautionary measures, a night curfew has been clamped along the bordering areas. State security forces were also deployed in the border villages to prevent any infiltration from across the border and curb unwanted activities.
'Over the past month, we have joyfully celebrated Bihu across Assam through numerous cultural events. I sincerely thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation and contributions,' the Assam chief minister posted on X.
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'However, the time has now come to conclude this festive season. I humbly appeal that all remaining Bihu functions scheduled from 10th May onwards be kindly cancelled. Let us bring this vibrant celebration to a graceful close, with the same unity and spirit in which it was celebrated,' he further wrote.
Rongali Bihu, also called Bohag Bihu, is a spring festival that marks the Assamese New Year. The celebration begins mid-April and continues for over a month.
In Tripura, an official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Chief Minister Manik Saha held a high-level meeting with senior security, intelligence and civil officials and discussed enhanced surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border.
Tripura, which has an 856 km border with Bangladesh, is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country.
In Meghalaya, the BSF has intensified surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border using the latest electronic gadgets. BSF's Meghalaya frontiers' Inspector General (IG) O.P. Upadhyay said that the border guarding force has further strengthened its vigilance along the India-Bangladesh border since last year, but recently the troops' vigilance has been further tightened with the use of the latest electronic gadgets.
"Our troops are on the highest surveillance round-the-clock. Senior BSF officials also, from time to time, supervise the intensive patrolling along the frontiers," he told the media.
Upadhyay said the BSF personnel are taking all preventive measures during the close watch on the borders. The BSF's Meghalaya frontiers' IG also visited border posts along the Indo-Bangla international Border in Meghalaya to assess the current situation.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and a proactive approach to strengthen the sense of security among the border population.
In Assam, the Guwahati frontier BSF beefed up security in Assam along the Bangladesh border amid India-Pakistan tensions and the ongoing troubles.
An official of Assam's Border Protection and Development Department said that the state government has ramped up security vigilance along the International Border with Bangladesh.
A BSF spokesman said that the border guarding troops have enhanced vigil and intensified their domination along the International Border.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said, " In view of the prevailing situation and to assess the State's preparedness for any potential crisis,
I convened a high-level meeting attended by the Political Secretary to Chief Minister Jacob Khaling, Cabinet Secretary V.B. Pathak, Chief Secretary SR. Telang, Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva and Heads of Departments (HODs) including officials from Health, Power, Food & Civil Supplies, Roads & Bridges, Land & Revenue departments, Sikkim Police and DCs & SPs of all districts."
He added, " I have issued clear directives to Power Department to conduct emergency drills and raise public awareness on blackout preparedness,
roads & Bridges are to ensure all critical roads and bridges remain fully operational and structurally sound, health Services are on high alert; hospitals must be fully equipped and staffed, with essential medical personnel on duty, food & Civil Supplies must maintain ample stock of essential items and fuel, ensuring uninterrupted distribution, police and Security forces are to intensify vigilance, especially at borders, and conduct regular drills with IRB and SAP jawans, Disaster Management must activate siren systems and deploy trained personnel promptly in any emergency".
He added, "I want to reassure the people of Sikkim that the government is taking all necessary and proactive measures to ensure the safety, security, and preparedness of our State. Given Sikkim's strategic location and proximity to international borders, it is our solemn responsibility to remain vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any eventuality. These measures are not only in the interest of our State but also in alignment with our duty toward national security. We are strengthening inter-departmental coordination, reinforcing critical infrastructure, and enhancing emergency response mechanisms across all districts. Our law enforcement agencies, medical services, and civil administration are on high alert to ensure uninterrupted public services and maintain peace and order. I urge all citizens to act responsibly, remain calm, stay informed through official channels, cooperate with the authorities, and refrain from sharing unverified or sensitive information that could lead to unnecessary panic or compromise security. National security is our priority, and the State Government is committed to public safety, territorial integrity, and the welfare of every citizen".
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