Night Curfew in Assam Border Area Raises Security and Livelihood Concerns

Assam - In a decisive move to curb unauthorized cross-border activities, the Cachar district administration in Assam has imposed a night curfew along its 33.6 km stretch of the India-Bangladesh border. Effective immediately, the order restricts movement within a one-kilometer radius from sunset to sunrise under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This measure aims to prevent infiltration, cattle smuggling, and other illicit activities, especially during sensitive periods such as elections.

The directive also prohibits movement along the Surma River during curfew hours, with fishing permitted only upon obtaining authorization from the Katigorah Circle Officer. Additionally, vehicles transporting essential commodities within a five-kilometer belt of the international border require special permits. These restrictions, however, exempt central and state government officials on duty.

This is not the first time such measures have been implemented in the region. Similar curfews have been enforced in the past to address security concerns and unauthorized movements. In December 2020, a night curfew was imposed along the same border stretch to counteract extremist activities and unauthorized commodity transportation.

While authorities highlight the necessity of these restrictions for maintaining law and order, recurring curfews raise questions about their long-term effectiveness. Critics argue that without addressing the root causes—such as economic disparities and inadequate border infrastructure—these curfews serve as temporary fixes rather than sustainable solutions.