SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s suggestion to issue work permit to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration has met with steep opposition.
Both the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the FKJGP have objected to the idea saying this would encourage influx of immigrants.
“We will never support such a proposal. We have been making efforts to minimise the influx of illegal immigrants. On what basis will the work permit be issued and this work permit is meant for whom,” KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar told The Shillong Times.
He observed that the issuing of work permit to Bangladeshis will open the door to illegal immigrants in the state.
Sangma raised the issue of work permit during his meeting with Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Criticising the CM’s opinion that such a move will address the challenge of infiltration, Marngar said, “He (Sangma) is talking about checking infiltration but the people of the state are facing unemployment and issuing work permit will open the door for illegal immigrants.”
Stressing on the union’s opposition to the move, Marngar said the union will resort to other ways and means to check the influx issues.
FKJGP also said the first priority of the state government should be setting up of entry and exit points and then the government can think about Bangladesh.
According to FKJGP, if providing work permit to Bangladeshis is aimed at encouraging influx, this will be opposed by the federation as this will be against the interest of the indigenous people of the State.
