Shillong, Aug. 14 -- The Meghalaya Government has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to seek Bangladesh's consent for erecting border fencing closer to the International Boundary to secure a 40-km unfenced stretch, ensuring no villages are left outside the protected area, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.

He added that the state government has urged the MHA to negotiate with Bangladesh to allow fencing closer to the main border pillars, thereby safeguarding villages without compromising safety.

Under international norms, border fencing is typically constructed 150 yards inside a country's territory. "In Meghalaya's case, following this norm would place several villages in 'no man's land' or outsid...