SHILLONG, July 27: Rising fears of unchecked infiltration following a series of eviction drives in Assam have led Nongpoh MLA and UDP leader Mayralborn Syiem to sound a warning call to traditional institutions, local communities, and the state government to join forces before it’s too late.
With Assam pushing forward with its eviction drive against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Syiem admitted that the prospect of a spillover into Meghalaya is a possibility.
“The issue of illegal immigration is a continuous concern. I’m having sleepless nights thinking about this issue,” Syiem said.
Referring to the Byrnihat infiltration check gate, Syiem said, “They are doing as much as they can but the problem stretches far beyond Byrnihat. It is a challenge because there are many points of entry into Meghalaya.”
Syiem stressed that protection of Meghalaya’s borders cannot be left to the government alone.
“It is the duty of the citizens, the community, and the traditional heads to work together. Whenever we see or notice any kind of illegal immigration, it should be reported to the concerned authority, headman, or police station.”
Appreciating the role of civil societies, Syiem said NGOs have been active in assisting authorities but urged caution. “The NGOs have been very supportive. But don’t take law into your hands…inform the authorities about illegal immigration.”
The remarks come amid heightened concern in Meghalaya that Assam’s eviction campaign could drive undocumented migrants across porous and lightly guarded stretches of the interstate border.
With infiltration routes extending well beyond official checkpoints, the Nongpoh legislator’s appeal signals growing unease within the state’s political and security circles.
