The Achik Organization for Social Welfare (AOSW) in Rongjeng, East Garo Hills (EGH), has urged for an inquiry into the alleged smuggling of sugar through the National Highway 62 into neighbouring Bangladesh after the NGO detected a few trucks carrying huge loads of sugar bound for border village of Rongtotma, near the Bangladesh border, in South Garo Hills (SGH), reported The Shillong Times.
What has raised concerns for the NGO is not just the destination of the sugar in Rongtotma, but the revelation that it originated in Kolkata, West Bengal, before being routed to the aforementioned village.
Several months ago, another NGO intercepted trucks carrying sugar from Assam near the village of Nongalbibra, lacking proper documentation but purportedly en route to Baghmara and Rongara. Approximately 15 trucks were apprehended by the NGO and subsequently released following a police investigation.
The surge in the number of trucks heading towards border areas had prompted serious inquiries initially, although, after the discovery, the issue seemed to be played down. However, the transportation, as reported by locals, from Assam to the border villages in SGH has persisted without interruption.
“It has come to our notice that the smuggling of sugar to Bangladesh is taking place day in day out via the International border especially through Rongara and Baghmara in South Garo Hills,” said AOSW secretary, Benjamin Sangma.
The NGO further asserted that for several months, a substantial number ranging from 20 to 40 trucks, carrying substantial loads of sugar, have been traversing the route from Dainadubi in NGH, through Rongjeng in EGH, and further into various SGH borders. This, according to the NGO, has been transpiring with impunity.
“Take the copy of the bill that we got a hand on and it just shows how these people are using fake papers to move sugar with impunity,” added Sangma. The bill disclosed that the sugar was loaded in West Bengal, with the truck transporting approximately 12 metric tons of sugar. Although seemingly unremarkable, a simple calculation shows that procuring sugar from West Bengal would not yield a profitable selling price. Given the presence of ample traders in Assam, the motive for importing sugar from West Bengal remains inexplicable unless the buyers are seeking legitimate documents to facilitate unquestioned transportation.
“After arriving in Baghmara and Rongara via NH-62, these goods are illicitly smuggled into Bangladesh. The local sugar consumption in the SGH district is unlikely to justify the need for 20-40 trucks daily. This unlawful sugar supply chain from Assam to Bangladesh through Meghalaya has been persisting for several months without consequence,” asserted Benjamin.
AOSW – Rongjeng unit emphasized that the trucks carrying sugar from Assam lack valid documentation and authentic invoices, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the state. They have called upon the state taxation department to scrutinize the accuracy of bills to prevent further financial losses.
The AOSW, Rongjeng unit, intends to promptly address the issue with the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities to curb the activities of a syndicate involved in sugar smuggling.
