NONGPOH, March 14: The purported spike in influx has prompted KSU Umsning Circle to take stock of the situation which has allegedly worsened despite infiltration check gate at Byrnihat being active to prevent illegal immigration. Leaders of the union led by its president, Lester Nongbet, met the officials of the infiltration check gate at Byrnihat and deliberated over the alleged detection of over 50 illegal immigrants in the last two days in Umsning, Ri-Bhoi.
The officials, however, informed the union that they have been making all-out efforts to prevent entry of illegal immigrants but it is difficult to detect all of them due to lack of manpower besides facilities from the government.
The officials refuted allegations that they are paid money at the infiltration check gate, while terming the charges as derogatory. Speaking to media persons after meeting the officer in-charge of the infiltration check gate, KSU president Lester Nongbet said that the union was very disappointed with the apathetic attitude of the state government towards the infiltration check gate, which, he remarked, was set up only for formality.
“If the government wanted to prevent unabated influx, all the facilities should be provided to the staff at the infiltration check gate so that they can tackle any illegal immigrants entering Meghalaya,” he said. “What is the use of setting up the infiltration check gate while the government failed to provide all the facilities.”
Nongbet demanded of the state government to boost manpower and ensure facilities at the infiltration check gate, while also pushing for strict implementation of Interstate Migrant workmen (Regulation of employment and conditions of service) Act 2011, as well as the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act 2016.
