Tura MP raises rampant issuance of transit point permits, calls for probe

SHILLONG, Oct 23: Tura MP Saleng Sangma has urged the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance to investigate the indiscriminate issuance of transit point permits for goods, including illegal products, from Bangladesh entering Meghalaya.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, Sangma expressed growing concerns over the unchecked issuance of these permits, which he believes has facilitated the influx of contraband items into the state. He cited recent reports indicating that the lax regulation of these permits has led to a variety of socio-economic and security issues.  Sangma called for an investigation to identify the authorities or individuals responsible for issuing the transit permits and to determine whether these actions are in compliance with the law. He also urged a thorough review of the process for issuing permits for goods from Bangladesh, emphasising the need for robust checks and balances to prevent the entry of illegal products.
In addition, Sangma advocated for strengthened border security along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya to curb the smuggling of contraband. He also pressed for the implementation of stringent monitoring mechanisms for the transportation of goods and the penalisation of those exploiting the system for illegal trade.
Sangma highlighted that several illegal products, including drugs, arms, and other prohibited goods, are being smuggled across the border under the guise of legitimate trade. He noted that the unchecked issuance of transit permits has created loopholes that smugglers are exploiting, leading to a surge in cross-border illegal activities.
The Tura MP also pointed out the direct impact of these illegal activities on local communities, stating that they have disrupted livelihoods and contributed to a rise in crime rates. In a separate letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sangma demanded a similar inquiry into the matter.
In his letter, he stressed that widespread reports suggest transit permits are being issued for goods that do not comply with legal import and customs regulations in the state. He added that concerned citizens have reported the entry of illegal goods from Bangladesh under questionable permits.