By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 10: The Meghalaya government has assured the Assembly that it is actively monitoring and countering cross-border infiltration, following concerns raised over the impact of unrest and evictions in neighbouring states and countries.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma provided details of the measures being taken to safeguard the state’s security and electoral integrity.
He said multiple meetings have been held at both the state and central levels, involving the BSF, Army, Air Force, and Intelligence Bureau, to coordinate intelligence gathering and preventive actions. Regular discussions are being held with the Government of India to ensure that developments along the border are closely tracked and reported at the highest levels, he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that local communities are being involved in the process. In critical villages, deputy commissioners have convened village-level meetings with headmen to assess vulnerabilities and request support in monitoring suspicious movements. Checkpoints along highways and entry points have been reinforced, and numerous individuals suspected of unauthorised entry have been intercepted, with some cases already publicised, he added.
Meanwhile, the UDP expressed concern over the issue of influx of immigrants into Meghalaya, particularly in view of the delay in obtaining central approval for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
The party has urged the government to bring in fresh legislation in line with the MRSSA, 2016, to deal with the problem at the earliest.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne stated that the UDP is concerned over the issue of illegal immigrants.
The UDP suggested that the state government, along with stakeholders, should take “aggressive steps” to urge the Centre for approval of the ILP.
Chyne recalled that the Assembly had passed the MRSSA, 2016, and under the present government the MRSSA (Amendment) Bill, 2020, is still awaiting assent.
The UDP leader suggested strengthening the Directorate of Infiltration under the Meghalaya Police, which is mandated to check illegal entry and enumerate inhabitants of border villages.
Meanwhile, the UDP leader also stressed effective implementation of the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020, which was amended in 2024.
