By Homnath Gautam
The headlines “Every entrant to Meghalaya is not an infiltrator, TMC President(The Shillong Times 18th August, 2025) is a bold call to stop labeling all who visit or reside in Meghalaya as infiltrators. The issue must be debated not in the streets but among the intellugentsia and government authorities. The issues needs to be deliberate upon with reason and fairness and not with emotions only.
1. Influx Debate Needs Maturity: The debate on influx and infiltration has been going on for decades in Meghalaya, but it is important that we approach the matter with maturity and foresight. While the fear of illegal immigration is genuine, the problem lies in the way it is often handled on the ground. Too often, innocent non-tribals who are genuine Indian citizens—tourists, businessmen, or labourers—end up being harassed in the name of infiltration. Such practices create mistrust, discourage investment, and hurt the very economy that our state is trying to build.
2. 93,000 Migrant Workers – A Wake-Up Call: According to official figures, over 93,000 migrant workers are registered with the Labour Department under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration(Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020 . This number itself raises an important question: why does a small state like Meghalaya have to depend so heavily on outside labour? Why are we not taking concrete steps to equip our local youth with the skills needed for infrastructure, construction, and other trades? If government officials can be sent for specialised training in different departments, why can’t we create a system to send our local workers for training in bigger companies outside the state, so that they return as skilled labourers?
3. Strengthening ITIs and Skilling Youth: A stronger network of well-equipped ITIs in every district could provide long-term solutions, producing skilled manpower constituency-wise. This would gradually reduce the demand for migrant workers and create better livelihood opportunities for our youth at home. Without such policies, the influx of workers from outside will only continue, and resentment against them will keep growing.
4. 10-Billion Economy Vision at Risk: It is also worth remembering that our Chief Minister has set an ambitious vision of making Meghalaya a 10 billion dollar economy by 2030–32. Such a goal cannot be achieved if every outsider is viewed only with suspicion. Hotels, shops, and small enterprises rely largely on visitors and non-local participation. Tourism alone contributes nearly 8% to 10% of the state’s GSDP, providing direct and indirect employment to more than 50,000 people through hotels, home stays, transport services, handicrafts, and small businesses. Over 16 lakh domestic and nearly 40,000 foreign tourists visit Meghalaya annually. If this sector is weakened by mistrust and unnecessary restrictions, our economic vision will remain unfulfilled.
5. Assam Evictions and Border Vigilance: The ongoing eviction drives in Assam against illegal settlers are also bound to displace people. While they may try to enter into our state but it will be difficult for them to settle in urban areas without the consent and knowledge of Dorbar Shnongs -they may find refuge in remote areas along the Assam–Meghalaya border. This is where vigilance must be focused not only by the Government but also by people living in border areas.
6. Bangladeshi Criminals – A Grave Security Threat: Even more alarming is the fact that Bangladeshi criminals have recently been caught entering Meghalaya. This is a serious concern for the security of our state and cannot be ignored. The people of Meghalaya must stand united, raise their voices, and put pressure on the Government of India to complete border fencing without further delay. A properly fenced and secured border is the only long-term solution to stop illegal infiltration and cross-border crime.
7. Reducing Dependency on Migrant Labour: It must also be recognised that our state requires labour, especially in construction, infrastructure, and service sectors. Migrant workers, if verified and genuine, contribute significantly to our development. But at the same time, the government must invest in skilling our own youth, so that dependency on outsiders gradually declines.
8. A Balanced Roadmap for Security and Development: What we need is a balanced and pragmatic approach. Border management should be made stricter, but at the same time, there must be a clear distinction between illegal settlers and genuine Indians who come here for work, tourism, or trade. Alongside, a roadmap for skill development and district-wise training institutions will ensure that our own youth become the backbone of Meghalaya’s growth story.
9. Call for a Special Task Force: Finally, the government should consider forming a Special Task Force comprising the Labour Department, Tourism Department, and Border Security agencies. This body could work in coordination to regulate migrant workers, protect genuine visitors, boost skill development for locals, and maintain strict vigilance along sensitive border areas. Only a united and coordinated effort will allow Meghalaya to achieve both security and sustainable economic growth.
10. Conclusion – A Call for Fairness and Vision: Let us protect our borders, but let us also protect the dignity of genuine citizens while empowering our people with skills. Development and security can go hand in hand if our policies are guided by fairness, vision, and foresight.