The surge in infiltration attempts coincides with ongoing eviction drives in Assam targeting illegal settlers, prompting many to seek refuge in neighbouring states, particularly Meghalaya
SHILLONG, Aug 10: The Anti-Infiltration Check Gate in Byrnihat has emerged as a frontline barrier against illegal entry into Meghalaya, with 10 to 25 people apprehended daily while attempting to cross the state border without valid documents.
Officer-in-Charge Morken L Mawlong has revealed that the surge in such attempts coincides with ongoing eviction drives in Assam targeting illegal settlers, prompting many to seek refuge in neighbouring states, particularly Meghalaya.
Mawlong explained that two main categories of people are intercepted at the gate — travellers using Meghalaya as a transit corridor and labourers intending to stay and work. “For travellers, we check Aadhaar, voter ID, or passport. If they have valid proof of Indian citizenship, they are allowed entry. For labourers, we verify labour cards, voter IDs, or Aadhaar. If proper documents are missing, they are sent back,” he said.
The checkpoint, however, faces operational challenges. Limited inspection space forces officers to conduct thorough checks under cramped conditions, often leading to traffic congestion. “It is very difficult to carry out checks efficiently due to the small area. Still, we are working hard,” Mawlong stated.
Joint inspections with the Labour department are also being conducted at construction sites to ensure that illegal migrants are not employed in the state.
The challenge intensified on Saturday when police at Byrnihat intercepted seven Bangladeshi nationals — three men, two women, and two minors — travelling in a local commercial vehicle bound for Nongpoh. They were carrying personal belongings.
Police sources said one of the detained men admitted to being from Bangladesh and living in Bangalore for a year before Karnataka authorities began expelling illegal migrants. He claimed they intended to return to Bangladesh via Meghalaya but had first planned to look for work in Nongpoh. If unsuccessful, they would continue searching elsewhere.
One of the detained women told police she had paid Rs 20,000 to enter India and was taken to Bangalore for work before travelling to Meghalaya with the aim of crossing into Bangladesh on foot through Nongpoh.
All seven were taken to the Byrnihat Police Station for necessary legal action.