SHILLONG, June 26: As concerns mount over suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators adopting Khasi surnames to blend into border villages and secure official documents, Meghalaya TMC president Charles Pyngrope has urged authorities to trace the roots of how such individuals obtain valid Indian papers during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
This latest row revives longstanding alarms about demographic infiltration in Meghalaya. Recent complaints by groups like FKJGP Riwar Mihngi Circle and KSU South East Central Circle have exposed cases in India-Bangladesh border areas where non-Khasis—allegedly including those of Bangladeshi origin—are illegally assuming Khasi surnames despite non-tribal parentage. Such practices are seen as a systematic bid to access ST benefits, voter lists, and local resources, threatening indigenous identity.
Speaking to reporters, Pyngrope emphasised that addressing inclusion of doubtful voters requires investigating the issuance of documents.
“The focus should not only be on identifying doubtful voters but also on tracing the source of the documents used to establish their identity,” he said.
He added that if suspected Bangladeshi nationals possess valid papers, authorities must probe who issued them and hold the district administration—along with traditional institutions like Sordars, Rangbah Shnongs, and Dollois—accountable.
“The first question should be directed to the district administration and the traditional authorities on how such individuals managed to obtain valid documents. Those responsible for issuing such documents must be identified and held accountable,” Pyngrope asserted.
He acknowledged infiltration concerns but downplayed comparisons to West Bengal, noting Meghalaya’s shorter, less porous border and relative ease in identifying outsiders in most areas.
“While infiltration may exist, it cannot alter the demographic composition of the state,” he said.
Pyngrope welcomed suggestions to involve traditional institutions in the SIR process, praising Rangbah Shnongs, Dollois, and Nokmas for their deep local knowledge. He urged the Election Department to incorporate their inputs during door-to-door verification to enhance credibility and weed out doubtful entries.
