Effective Tuesday, October 14, 2025, authorities in Assam’s Cachar district have issued comprehensive prohibitory orders across its international border with Bangladesh. This decisive action comes amidst escalating concerns regarding potential extremist movements and persistent smuggling activities, according to an official announcement.
Specifically, strict restrictions have been put in place on all movement along the Surma River, and boating for fishing is now prohibited.
Cachar District Magistrate Mridul Yadav confirmed that these prohibitory orders, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, are a direct response to rising fears of extremist infiltration and illicit cross-border operations.
The core objective of this directive is to uphold public safety and order, while effectively curbing the illegal transportation of goods and cattle in the vulnerable zones adjacent to the India-Bangladesh border.
Under these new regulations, all human movement is strictly forbidden between sunset and sunrise within a one-kilometer stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border within the district.
Similar night-time restrictions apply to the Surma River and its banks, specifically within Indian territorial limits.
Tightened Control on River Activities and Essential Supplies
Fishing activities on the river, particularly using boats, are now completely banned. Exceptions will only be made with special permission from the Circle Officer of Katigorah for personal consumption, and this requires prior consultation with the relevant lessee, as well as mandatory notification to both the District Magistrate and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Furthermore, the movement of essential commodities like sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, kerosene, and salt is prohibited between sunset and sunrise within a five-kilometer zone of the international border inside the district.
Nonetheless, in exceptional circumstances, the Katigorah Circle Officer holds the authority to grant exemptions for specific purposes, times, and locations. Such relaxations are only permitted after thorough verification by local supply officials, with copies of all approvals promptly forwarded to the District Magistrate and the BSF Commandant.
This order, issued unilaterally in the paramount interest of public safety, is effective immediately and will remain in force for two months, unless it is revoked or amended sooner.
It is important to note that these restrictions do not apply to state and central government officials who are performing official duties in the designated border areas.