A sudden disruption unfolded on Monday in Ward No. 9 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council after brick paving work on a long-neglected road near the Manu Land Customs Station and along the banks of the Manu River was abruptly stopped. The development project, located close to a cremation ground, had only recently resumed after remaining suspended for several months, raising fresh concerns among local residents.
According to eyewitnesses, personnel from the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) arrived at the site early in the morning and raised objections to the ongoing construction. Citing international boundary regulations, BGB officials informed the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) that any construction activity is restricted within 150 yards of the international border. Following this communication, BSF personnel conveyed the directive to the contractor, prompting an immediate halt to the work. As a result, workers were asked to vacate the site, leaving the road unfinished.
The sudden stoppage has caused significant inconvenience to the local population, particularly families who rely on the road to access the nearby cremation ground. Residents reported facing serious difficulties while transporting deceased relatives due to the incomplete and obstructed pathway, adding to their distress and frustration.
Contractor Abdul Mannan, who had resumed the brick paving work following instructions from the local administration, expressed disappointment over the unexpected interruption. He stated that the work was being carried out to address long-standing public grievances and confirmed that the issue has now been formally brought to the notice of the district administration for clarification and resolution.
The incident has triggered unease and anxiety among people living in the border area, as they struggle to balance essential civic requirements with international border regulations. Locals have urged authorities to find an immediate and practical solution that allows necessary public infrastructure development without violating border norms.
Meanwhile, BSF officials are expected to hold discussions with higher authorities to assess the situation and explore possible measures to resolve the issue amicably. Residents hope that coordinated dialogue between the concerned agencies will help restore normalcy and allow the completion of the much-needed road at the earliest.
