NEW DELHI, Aug 25 ? India was forced to construct fencing beyond 150 yards from the international border along the Indo-Bangladesh border following objections raised by the Government of Bangladesh. Divulging this Minister of State for Home Affairs, S Reghupathy said that according to joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for border authorities, no construction of defensive structure could be allowed within 150 yards from the Zero Line. Fencing along the border is being constructed at a distance of 150 yards or beyond from the international border as the Bangladesh Government has been objecting to the construction of fencing within 150 yards.
Wherever there are villages and houses falling within the fencing line, gates have been provided at convenient places to facilitate easy movement of residents. The timings for opening and closing of gates are determined after discussion with local villagers as well as with local administration, the Minister said.
In case of emergency, there are standing instructions to open the gate by the BSF to facilitate easy movement across the fencing. Standing Operating procedure for management of the gates has been formulated in consultation with the local population, he claimed.
In a separate reply Reghupathy admitted that there was no reliable estimate of the population in enclaves in the two countries. There are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh territory and 51 in Bangladeshi enclaves on the Indian side.