MAWKYRWAT, Nov 6: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Langkynma Area Unit apprehended 12 Bangladeshi nationals this morning in the Nongjri-Nonghyllam area under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, South West Khasi Hills.
Police sources confirmed that the 12 individuals were Bangladeshi nationals, and a case was registered against them under the Foreigners Act. Authorities stated they are awaiting a court order to proceed, under which minors will be sent to a Juvenile Home while adults will be placed in jail.
Ioanis Hahshah, president of the KSU Langkynma Area Unit, reported that during the Union’s questioning, it was learned that the individuals came from Sunamganj district in Bangladesh, crossing the Indo-Bangladesh border in the early hours. “They told us they fled their homes due to recent unrest in their country and hoped to settle in India,” Hahshah said, adding that the group was handed over to the Nonghyllam Border Outpost.
“Our question to the Border Security Force (BSF) is, what is your duty while stationed at the border, if Bangladeshi nationals continue to cross into Indian territory freely?” Hahshah stated.
“Instead of guarding the border, they set up checkpoints in the Nongkalong and Balat areas, causing inconvenience to our own people,” he added, noting that recent unrest in Bangladesh and perceived lapses by the BSF have placed Meghalaya’s small tribes at risk.
Later in the evening, the KSU South West Khasi Hills District, led by president Forwardman Nongrem, met Deputy Commissioner Barnari Mawlong to condemn what they described as BSF’s ineffectiveness in fulfilling their duties as India’s central border security force. Nongrem called for heightened BSF vigilance at zero points on the international border rather than on main roadways where locals are impacted.
The KSU demanded that all illegal entrants from Bangladesh, regardless of religious affiliation, be identified and repatriated. “To us, a Bangladeshi is a Bangladeshi, whether Muslim, Hindu, or Christian, and they should be sent back,” Nongrem stated.
Nongrem also noted the Union’s awareness of certain ‘dalals’ (touts) facilitating illegal crossings through damaged or unfenced sections of the border. “We urge the District Administration and police to conduct a thorough investigation, and any individuals assisting illegal immigrants must face legal consequences,” Nongrem said.
Additionally, the Union requested that the Deputy Commissioner convene a joint meeting between the district administration, BSF, local pressure groups, and village leaders from within 10 km of the border to address and prevent future instances of illegal immigration.
