Meghalaya: 2 more border hotspots in May to strengthen Indo-Bangla relations

Shillong: India and Bangladesh have agreed to jointly open two more border ‘hotspots’ in Meghalaya Ryngku and Nalikata next month, officials said on Tuesday.

The number of such markets in the northeastern state will increase to four when these two facilities become operational.

The Ryngku Border ‘Hot’ in the East Khasi Hills District will open on May 12 and Nalikata in the Southwest Khasi Hills on May 16, officials said.

Authorities in both countries have also reopened a border hotspot in Balat in the eastern Khasi hills of Meghalaya after a two-year hiatus due to Code-19 restrictions.

An official said the Joint Border Hot Management Committee decided to reopen it at a meeting on April 19.

He said that India and Bangladesh have seven border hotspots and nine more are in the pipeline.

These border ‘hot’ markets are set up to enable locals on both sides to market and use their produce.

The move adds new dimensions to people-to-people contacts.

According to studies and ground surveys, border ‘haats’ have created employment opportunities for the local community, especially for women and youth, who have emerged as various service providers such as transporters, shopkeepers, workers and Food stall owners.

These markets allow the sale of locally produced agricultural and horticultural products, minor forest products, dried fish, cottage industry products, handlooms and handicrafts, and wooden furniture.