By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Thursday again reiterated the need to put in place an ‘institutionalized mechanism’ to check influx and entry of illegal immigrants into the State, while emphasizing on the need for traditional institutions to assist the Government in tackling the problem in the right earnest.
Traditional institutions can help in tracing people of questionable origin as they have first-hand knowledge on who is residing where, and that is why the government is committed to involving them in the process, the Chief Minister observed.
“We would also involve all stakeholders, especially the common citizens, which would allow the Government to tackle this burning issue in a more holistic manner,” Dr Sangma said.
He further stated that the common citizens can play an active role by detecting ‘dubious people’ or illegal immigrants as they are the first to spot them on most occasions.
“Personally I feel that the State urgently needs a system that is fool proof and strong so that the menace is dealt with in a manner that is permanent by invoking suitable laws and empowering all stakeholders,” the Chief Minister said, while referring to the two-high level committees that have recently been notified by the Government to review the prevailing situation in the State and suggest a multi-pronged strategy and approach to deal with the issue.
The committees would also examine and outline the role of traditional institutions and their empowerment in dealing with the problem of influx and to recommend a comprehensive institutionalized mechanism as considered necessary, Dr Sangma said.
