SILCHAR: BSF personnel deployed vehicles and opened border gates early on Thursday to help at least 70 families living beyond the barbed-wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Sribhumi district reach polling stations and cast their votes, turning the exercise into a strong assertion of identity for residents of Karimganj South assembly constituency. The voters are from five villages – Gabindapur, Uttar Lafasail, Tesua, Deutoli and Maishashan – that lie outside the fencing and are physically cut off from the Indian mainland. “BSF opened the gates early and helped us reach the polling booths in their own vehicles. It was a huge convenience,” said a local voter. After polling, BSF personnel dropped the villagers back home. “We are sincere about voting because it reassures us that we are Indians, and not just residents of a forgotten st-rip of land,” the voter added. Sources said BSF had also facilitated electioneering in the run-up to polling by managing border gates and allowing candidates and their supporters to enter these remote settlements near the Zero Line. The villages remain outside the fence because of India-Bangladesh protocol, which bars permanent construction or fencing within 150 yards of the actual border. Residents of these settlements live under tight movement restrictions, with border gates usually shut from 7pm to 6am. “In case of emergencies, we are always there to help and transport them to the nea-rby town, even after stipulated hours,” a BSF official said. Govt is working to rehabilitate villages located outside the fence in Sribhumi. The district shares a 92-km border with Bangladesh. In neighbouring Cachar district, which has a 32-km border with Bangladesh, all villages that had once remained outside the fencing have been rehabilitated within the barbed-wire perimeter over the past few years. Efforts are now under way to similarly relocate families in Sribhumi.About the AuthorBB GoswamiHe is a seasoned journalist with The Times of India, reporting from Silchar. Known for his sharp political insights and grassroots coverage, he brings depth to stories from Barak Valley and beyond. His work reflects a commitment to factual reporting and amplifying voices from Assam’s southern frontier.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply PushIndia Tells Seafarers To Remain Indoors As Iran War Puts Strait of Hormuz On EdgeOperation Sindoor Signals India’s Shift To Multi-Domain, Data-Driven Warfare : General DwivediWorld Bank Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6%, Flags Global Risks From West Asia Conflict’Topple Didi At Any Cost?’ TMC Releases Viral Sting Video To Target Humayun Kabir, BJP Denies Link123PhotostoriesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showAre Smriti Mandhana-Palaash Muchhal getting back together? 5 celebrity couples who reunited post break-up- From Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma to Prince William-Kate MiddletonHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehengaNavi Mumbai’s luxury real estate boom: Developers shaping the premium market7 refreshing chutneys made with vegetable peels to keep the gut cool in summer8 unique animals that exist only in Australia and look unreal123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026
SILCHAR: BSF personnel deployed vehicles and opened border gates early on Thursday to help at least 70 families living beyond the barbed-wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Sribhumi district reach polling stations and cast their votes, turning the exercise into a strong assertion of identity for residents of Karimganj South assembly constituency. The voters are from five villages – Gabindapur, Uttar Lafasail, Tesua, Deutoli and Maishashan – that lie outside the fencing and are physically cut off from the Indian mainland. “BSF opened the gates early and helped us reach the polling booths in their own vehicles. It was a huge convenience,” said a local voter. After polling, BSF personnel dropped the villagers back home. “We are sincere about voting because it reassures us that we are Indians, and not just residents of a forgotten st-rip of land,” the voter added. Sources said BSF had also facilitated electioneering in the run-up to polling by managing border gates and allowing candidates and their supporters to enter these remote settlements near the Zero Line. The villages remain outside the fence because of India-Bangladesh protocol, which bars permanent construction or fencing within 150 yards of the actual border. Residents of these settlements live under tight movement restrictions, with border gates usually shut from 7pm to 6am. “In case of emergencies, we are always there to help and transport them to the nea-rby town, even after stipulated hours,” a BSF official said. Govt is working to rehabilitate villages located outside the fence in Sribhumi. The district shares a 92-km border with Bangladesh. In neighbouring Cachar district, which has a 32-km border with Bangladesh, all villages that had once remained outside the fencing have been rehabilitated within the barbed-wire perimeter over the past few years. Efforts are now under way to similarly relocate families in Sribhumi.
