As of June 17, 2025, the Assam government has enforced stringent restrictions along the India-Bangladesh border in Cachar district to prevent illegal cross-border activities and ensure public safety. This move comes in response to intelligence reports suggesting potential movement of extremist elements intending to disrupt peace and law and order in the region. The order, issued by Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), aims to counter these threats effectively.

According to the official notification, the newly implemented order imposes several key restrictions:

1. Nighttime Movement Ban: Movement of individuals is strictly prohibited between sunset and sunrise within a one-kilometre-wide belt along the India-Bangladesh international border in Cachar. This measure has been taken to prevent infiltration and suspicious movements during hours of low visibility.

2. Restrictions on River Activity: The order extends similar restrictions to movement along the Surma River and its high banks, which are located within Indian territory under the district’s jurisdiction. This includes both human activity and navigation during the restricted hours.

3. Fishing Limitations: Local residents are forbidden from fishing in the Surma River using boats during the night hours unless they obtain prior approval from the Circle Officer of Katigorah. Such permission must be granted only after verification by the leaseholder. Moreover, all permissions granted must be copied and sent to both the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed at Dholcherra.

4. Ban on Transport of Essential Commodities: Transport of vital essential items—such as rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil, kerosene, and salt—is strictly barred between sunset and sunrise within a 5-kilometre stretch along the border. These goods are often targeted for illegal smuggling into neighbouring Bangladesh, and the restriction is meant to cut off these channels.

5. Conditional Relaxations: Limited relaxations on transportation may be allowed only through prior approval from the Katigorah Circle Officer. However, such relaxations are subject to verification and coordination with relevant supply officials. All permits, once granted, must be reported to the offices of the District Magistrate and the BSF commandant to ensure oversight.

6. Exemptions: The order clarifies that it does not apply to state and central government employees performing official duties in the restricted border zones.

The district administration highlighted the urgency and seriousness of the situation, invoking the directive as a preventive measure to maintain peace and security in the border region. These regulations will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance unless they are revoked or modified earlier.

This directive showcases the government’s proactive approach to national security, border control, and maintaining law and order in areas vulnerable to cross-border threats and illegal trade. The involvement of local administrative officials, coordination with the BSF, and conditional relaxation mechanisms indicate an attempt to balance strict enforcement with local livelihood considerations.