By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 25: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Sunday issued a stern warning to residents in border areas, cautioning them against facilitating the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into Meghalaya. The organisation expressed grave concern over reports indicating that some local individuals are actively assisting cross-border infiltrators.
KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar highlighted a significant shift in the pattern of illegal border activities. “It is no longer just traders conducting business. There are people supplying goods to Bangladesh, and from our own border communities, some locals are helping Bangladeshi nationals enter India illegally,” he stated.
Marngar emphasised that the KSU has directed all its units, especially those in border regions, to stay highly vigilant. He made it clear that the organisation would take firm action against anyone found guilty of such facilitation, including those who belong to the indigenous Khasi community.
“If we uncover such cases, we will not hesitate to act, even if it involves our own brothers and sisters. While we are fighting to prevent illegal migrants from entering our state, some within our community are enabling their entry, particularly into the land of Hynniewtrep,” Marngar said.
He urged those involved to cease such activities immediately, warning of unpredictable consequences if they continue. “From the KSU’s side, we appeal to these individuals to stop at once. If they do not, what follows cannot be predicted,” he added.
The warning comes amid recent enforcement actions that have exposed local facilitation networks. On January 20, West Jaintia Hills Police conducted a major operation along the Dawki route, apprehending 18 Bangladeshi nationals in coordinated vehicle interceptions. The arrests have raised questions about how long the foreigners may have remained undetected in Jowai and surrounding areas.
During the same operation, authorities detained two Indian touts—identified as Meban Dkhar and his associate Melari Rasmut—from Lad Demthring, along with a vehicle (ML04 D 4739).
Election-only approach to boundary dispute irks KSU
Marngar accused successive Meghalaya governments of showing interest in resolving the long-standing inter-state boundary dispute with Assam only during election seasons, casting doubt on any genuine commitment to a lasting solution.
He sharply criticised both the current and past governments for their apparent lack of seriousness in addressing the decades-old issue. He pointed out that border discussions consistently gain traction just before polls, only to lose momentum once elections conclude and power is consolidated.
“Whether from the ruling party or the opposition, everyone raises the border issue before elections. But after coming to power, the only result is the formation of committees. There is no visible political will,” Marngar stated.
He urged political leaders to deliver clear, transparent responses to the public on the promises made during campaigns and to act with responsibility on those commitments.
“The harsh reality is that no one seriously pursues resolution of the boundary dispute once the elections are over,” he added.
Marngar announced that the KSU has directed its local units to stay vigilant, closely monitor developments in border areas, and work to prevent unrest among the indigenous Khasi communities.
He underlined that the organisation’s foremost priority remains safeguarding the security and well-being of residents in the border regions and preventing any further loss of land to neighbouring states.
“As long as the boundary issue remains unresolved, such incidents will continue to arise periodically. If the government fails to guarantee the safety and security of our brothers and sisters, we may be forced to reconsider our approach in the future,” the KSU president cautioned.
