Our Bureau
SHILLONG, Jan 13: Congress MP from Tura, Saleng A. Sangma has stressed the need to strengthen the security apparatus along the porous India-Bangladesh border, as strained relations with the neighbouring country pose a serious threat not only to Meghalaya but to the country beyond.
His remarks came amid growing concern among various sections over alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh through vulnerable border stretches in recent days.
Addressing the issue, Sangma said the grave matter should not be taken lightly by the authorities, as unchecked illegal entry could have far-reaching consequences for national security.
The MP said he has taken up the issue with the Centre, including the Prime Minister, stressing the urgent need to strengthen border security. He suggested constructing physical barriers along the international border, similar to the fencing along the United States-Mexico border, to prevent illegal crossings.
He further said that he urged the Centre to deploy additional Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the international border in the Northeast, while pointing out that existing security arrangements are inadequate in several areas.
According to him, many stretches remain poorly guarded, making them vulnerable to infiltration by unauthorised individuals. He emphasised that unless immediate and decisive steps are taken to secure the borders, the situation could worsen and pose a serious risk to the country’s internal security.
Women’s body raises alarm over influx from Bangladesh
The Meghalaya Indigenous Women’s Council (MIWC) also raised alarm over the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into India, expressing concern that some locals may be helping outsiders bypass border security.
In a statement, MIWC president Bythygrace Dkhar said the council strongly condemned the incident reported on June 21 last year involving individuals, identified as Everjoy Siangshai, David Dkhar, and Arpan Siangshai, residents of Ladrymbai “B”, who were allegedly involved in facilitating the illegal movement.
“It is shocking that Bangladeshis are being brought into India despite the presence of BSF personnel along the border areas. This exposes serious gaps in monitoring and security,” Dkhar said.
She warned that such activities threaten the safety, property, and livelihoods of local communities, with the potential for theft, harassment, and exploitation of homes, fields, and shops.
Dkhar urged the government to take immediate action, including inspections at Ladrymbai, Soo Kilo, Iew Cement (Sutnga), and cement factories, citing that some areas have witnessed a rapid increase in migrant populations over recent years.
Dkhar stressed that illegal entry not only threatens local security but also the culture, land rights, and identity of indigenous communities.
Regarding Arpan, Dkhar clarified that while he was identified in the report, he is a resident of Ladrymbai Datsimpein and not an outsider.
The council has called on authorities to strengthen border vigilance and enforce strict measures to prevent further illegal entries and protect the rights of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
