From Our Correspondent
TURA, Aug 11: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Western Zone South, Ampati, has petitioned the district administration against unchecked influx and immigration in South West Garo Hills along the Meghalaya-Assam border, urging the deputy commissioner to take immediate steps to address the issue.
In a letter to Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak on Monday, the GSU called for regular checks on influx and immigration along the border, establishment of check gates at strategic points including Mirjumla, Junjhuni, Aidoba, Garodoba, Garobadha Tri-junction and other roads connecting the two states, as well as the immediate enforcement of a Task Force Committee to monitor and manage the situation.
According to the GSU, another long-pending concern requiring urgent attention is the proper documentation and identification of each household of alleged illegal settlers within the interstate boundary of Meghalaya and Assam, particularly in areas such as Jhunjuni, Kathuli, Jholgaon, Thakurunbari, Mirjumla, Ichakuri, Chandamari, Aidoba, Chondonpara, Bansali and Tepolpara.
“There has been a noticeable increase in population and households in these areas over the years, which warrants urgent attention. Given the ongoing eviction drives in Assam and the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) drive in Bihar, we urge you to ensure that Meghalaya does not become a dumping zone for illegal immigrants,” the Union stated.
Citing the examples of Manipur and Tripura, the GSU urged the authorities to take preventive measures to avoid a similar situation in Meghalaya, while expressing its willingness to cooperate with the administration and the police during anti-influx drives.