In a strategic response to rising concerns along the Indo-Bangladesh border, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday convened a high-level intelligence meeting with top officials from the state government, police, Border Security Force (BSF), Customs, and the Intelligence Bureau. The meeting was aimed at assessing the evolving situation at the international border following recent provocative statements by Bangladesh’s interim leadership.
“We had a meeting today with the state Government officials, the police, the BSF, Customs and the Intelligence Bureau, this is basically being done in line or with the overall situation with Bangladesh that is there at the border area to review the situation,” said Sangma.
He expressed serious concern over the statements emanating from the interim government of Bangladesh, calling them “offensive” and “unacceptable.”
“Recent statements made by the interim government, the leader, the Interim Prime Minister, which was something which was offensive and the impact of statements like these are very very serious and something that is unacceptable by us as a state government and obviously as a citizen of this nation,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Highlighting the importance of preparedness and coordination, Sangma emphasized the need for continuous communication between state authorities and central agencies. “It is important for the state governments of Northeast to review the situation, coordinate with agencies of Government of India, just to be ready in every way, understand what the overall situation is, and the coordination with all these agencies.”
While the discussions during the meeting were kept under wraps due to their sensitive nature, Sangma confirmed that actionable intelligence and possible preventive steps were deliberated. “Information, intel, discussions were done on the current situation along the border and discussed few points and some steps that we possibly take which, of course, will not be appropriate for me to share in the media.”
Despite the rising tensions, Sangma assured that the situation remains under control. “Of course, the status at the border is peaceful as of now, but we have to be on a vigilant and ensure that everything continues to be okay. But yes, as of now the BSF and police and other forces are doing their job at best possible and things are peaceful and okay as of now.”
When asked whether Meghalaya was seeking additional BSF deployment along the border, the Chief Minister remained tight-lipped, citing protocol. “Again, as I said, this is a matter that I don’t want to share right now in the media. It’s not proper for me and plus BSF is paramilitary force of the Government of India from Ministry of Home Affairs and appropriately, MHA will take the call. But whatever feedback we have, we will share with the MHA, as I said, it will not be proper for me to make a statement.”
Reiterating the importance of vigilance, Sangma concluded, “As I said again, the situation overall is peaceful but as I said for us as a government with the state or the centre, we have to be vigilant and therefore, whatever situation does happen, we share this information with each other and that’s the reason, the purpose of this meeting today and this matter was discussed in detail. And as I said, we are keeping a watch so that we’re able to keep the overall situation under control.”