SHILLONG: The check gate at Byrnihat, set up to detect illegal immigrants, is scarcely serving its purpose with the personnel posted at the gate rarely checking vehicles entering the State.
As observed by this correspondent on Thursday, the policeman on duty at the gate was busy with his mobile phone as another man sitting next to him waived at the passing vehicles asking them to proceed.
Many who frequently travel along the road say there is hardly any instance when the personnel check vehicles to restrict the possible entry of illegal immigrants. “Questioning of high-end tourist vehicles is out of question,” said a traveller. When contacted, officials from the infiltration department said they would definitely look into the matter and address the issue.
Officials also said the personnel deployed at the gate are supposed to detect illegal immigrants without harassing genuine travellers. The official also said proper infrastructure and better detection facilities will be available when the government sets up the entry and exit points in the area.
It may be mentioned that hundreds of vehicles coming from Assam and other parts of the country enter the State through the Byrnihat check gate.
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the situation is not much different at the Ratacherra check gate in East Jaintia Hills which has been set up to keep track of the large number vehicles coming from neighbouring Assam, Tripura, Mizoram etc.
