By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The BSF has sounded alert following reports regarding presence of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the coal belt areas of Meghalaya.
The modus operandi of the migrants is that they frequent between India and Bangladesh using the porous border and very often without valid documents.
A BSF official on Thursday said that the presence of illegal migrants in coal mines is a cause of concern.
The troops of Umkiang border outpost in East Jaintia Hills recently apprehended five Bangladeshi illegal immigrants.
They have been identified as Dilal Ahmed, Shafil Ahmed, Nizam Ahmed, Mohd Barhuddin and Tajuddin. They were apprehended while they were crossing over to Bangladesh from India.
During search, the BSF seized Indian currency notes worth Rs. 4,940, three cell phones, three Indian SIM cards and a Bangladeshi SIM card.
One fake identity card in the name of Rajimuddin issued by Circle and Executive Magistrate Kathigor ( Cachar ) dated August,10, 2009 was also recovered from their possession.
During preliminary questioning, the apprehended persons revealed that they were working in the coal mines near Khliehriat.
This month alone, the BSF troops apprehended 15 illegal migrants from Meghalaya border.
Cattle smuggling : The BSF troops of BOP Lyngkhat and Naya-Bazar deployed in East Khasi Hills district seized 71 cattle worth Rs. 5,15,200 while they were being smuggled to Bangladesh
According to the BSF, during the intervening night of October 17 and 18 on specific inputs, the BSF troops effected the seizure
The cattle seized were mostly from Haryana, the BSF said.
The seizures were made at three different places and during the night hours. Due to mountainous terrain and dark hours, no cattle smuggler could be apprehended.