Rural families 'being harassed' due to restrictions on movement off Indo-Bangla border

By Kirity Roy*

Villagers in the border locality of Seuti-II, Shukarukuti Gram Panchayat in the Cooch Behar district, are facing relentless harassment due to restrictions on the opening of a critical fencing gate. Seuti-II, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, is home to 43 families, comprising 83 minority Muslim individuals who reside within this fenced area.

These families have lived on their ancestral land for generations and rely on Gate No. 17, managed by the Kushahat B.O.P-C-Company 90 Bn BSF, for essential daily activities. Agriculture and labor are the primary sources of livelihood for the residents of Seuti-II, who cultivate various vegetables on their 380 bighas of agricultural land.

However, the limitations imposed by the fencing gate severely impact their farming practices, economic well-being, and overall quality of life. The restricted access to their homes, fields, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and markets creates significant challenges. According to regulations established by the Government of India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Gate No. 17 was initially permitted to remain open throughout the day. However, over the years, the Border Security Force (BSF) has gradually reduced the opening hours.

Currently, the gate is accessible only three times a day for one hour (from 7 am to 8 am, 11 am to 12 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm). Additionally, villagers must wait 40 to 50 minutes for their names to be recorded upon entry, often preventing them from utilizing the limited time available.

This situation has led to numerous unfortunate incidents, including adverse effects on children's education, which contributes to school dropouts. Moreover, seriously ill individuals and pregnant women face difficulties reaching healthcare facilities outside the predetermined times.

The confinement these residents experience not only hinders their access to essential services but also distances them from other Indian citizens. Consequently, the socio-economic conditions of these families continue to deteriorate. Gate No. 17 serves as their vital link to the farmers' market via the CPWD road; without it, they are forced to take a longer detour, adding 4 to 5 kilometers to their journey.

On July 26, 2024, the affected families formally appealed to the District Magistrate of Cooch Behar and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Dinhata regarding their dire situation. However, no action has been taken by the authorities. They also communicated their grievances to the BSF Headquarters in Assam on July 31, 2024.

On August 2, 2024, four village members, including Rafik Miyan, were summoned by the BSF for questioning but were reportedly threatened by the Company Commander, who demanded that they withdraw their complaints or face potential criminal charges.

The residents of Seuti-II not only grapple with everyday challenges impacting their livelihoods but also contend with violations of Articles 21 and 19 of the Indian Constitution, which protect the right to life and personal liberty as well as the freedom of movement for all citizens.

Some of the heads of families residing in Seuti-II include Kachim Ali, son of Katiya; Majibar Rahaman, son of Matiya; Hossain Ali Sk., son of Matiya; Rekha Bibi, daughter of Hachim Ali; Jachimuddin Sk., son of Kaltu Md.; Fajle Hoque, son of Md. Ali; Ejaul Hoque, son of Hachim Ali; Hachim Ali, son of Matiya Sk.; Belal Hossain, son of Nur Islam; Jaharul Hoque, son of Jasmat Sk.; and Samsul Hoque, son of Monsur Ali.

The villagers are still awaiting a resolution to their issues, which remain largely ignored. There is an urgent need for intervention, with the following actions required:

Open Gate No. 17 for the entire day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to facilitate access for villagers.
Ensure that if land is needed for BSF purposes, it must be legally acquired by the government from the respective landowners.
Avoid threatening lawful citizens regarding their grievances.
Provide assistance to villagers in relation to their livelihood and economic situations.
Compensate and rehabilitate all affected individuals to reintegrate them into society.

The National Human Rights Commission should investigate these matters and implement legal measures to support the sustainable livelihoods of the villagers.

---

*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM). This article is based on the author's representation to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission

Comments

Wave of disappearances sparks human rights fears for activists in Delhi

By Harsh Thakor* A philosophy student from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and an activist associated with Nazariya magazine, Rudra, has been reported missing since the morning of July 19, 2025. This disappearance adds to a growing concern among human rights advocates regarding the escalating number of detentions and disappearances of activists in Delhi.

How community leaders overcome obstacles to protect forests and pastures in remote villages

By Bharat Dogra Dheera Ram Kapaya grew up in such poverty that, unable to attend school himself, he would carry another boy’s heavy school bag for five kilometers just to get a scoop of daliya (porridge). When he was finally able to attend school, he had to leave after class five to join other adolescent workers. However, as soon as opportunities arose, he involved himself in community efforts—promoting forest protection, adult literacy, and other constructive initiatives. His hidden talent for writing emerged during this time, and he became known for the songs and street play scripts he created to promote forest conservation, discourage child marriages, and support other social reforms.

‘Act of war on agriculture’: Aruna Rodrigues slams GM crop expansion and regulatory apathy

By Rosamma Thomas* Expressing appreciation to the Union Agriculture Minister for inviting suggestions from farmers and concerned citizens on the sharp decline in cotton crop productivity, Aruna Rodrigues—lead petitioner in the Supreme Court case ongoing since 2005 that seeks a moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops—wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 14, 2025, stating that conflicts of interest have infiltrated India’s regulatory system like a spreading cancer, including within the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Overriding India's constitutional sovereignty? Citizens urge PM to reject WHO IHR amendments

By A Representative A group of concerned Indian citizens, including medical professionals and activists, has sent an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) before the ratification deadline of July 19, 2025.

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

Sandra Gonzalez Sanabria: An inspiring life from Colombia’s Amazonian valley

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* In the village of Héctor Ramírez, known as Agua Bonita, in La Montañita, Caquetá, Colombia, a vision of peace and renewal is unfolding. In the pre-2016 period, this would have been nearly impossible for outsiders to visit, as it was the epicenter of violent resistance against state oppression. However, after the Peace Accord was signed between the Colombian government and former revolutionaries—marking the end of a 70-year insurgency that claimed over 400,000 lives until 2025, including civilians, rebel fighters, and security personnel—things began to change. Visiting Agua Bonita during the Global Land Forum in Bogotá revealed a village of hope and resilience. Former FARC revolutionaries have settled here and transformed the village into a center of peace and aspiration.

Indigenous Karen activist calls for global solidarity amid continued struggles in Burma

By A Representative At the International Festival for People’s Rights and Struggles (IFPRS), Naw Paw Pree, an Indigenous Karen activist from the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), shared her experiences of oppression, resilience, and hope. Organized with the support of the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), the event brought together Indigenous and marginalized communities from across the globe, offering a rare safe space for shared learning, solidarity, and expression.

Activists allege abduction and torture by Delhi Police Special Cell in missing person probe

By A Representative A press statement released today by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) alleges that several student and social activists have been abducted, illegally detained, and subjected to torture by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The CASR claims these actions are linked to an investigation into the disappearance of Vallika Varshri, an editorial team member of 'Nazariya' magazine.

India’s zero-emission, eco-friendly energy strategies have a long way to go, despite impressive progress

By N.S. Venkataraman* The recent report released by OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2025 has predicted that by the year 2050, crude oil would replace coal as India’s key energy source. Clearly, OPEC expects that India’s dependence on fossil fuels for energy will continue to remain high in one form or another.

Search This Blog