By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 14: With political unrest continuing in neighbouring Bangladesh and growing anxiety over Meghalaya’s porous international border, the Meghalaya BJP has sounded a cautionary note, saying it has activated its organisational network in border areas to keep a close watch on any suspicious movement.
BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna said reports of infiltration were yet to be officially authenticated and the party would not jump to conclusions. He, however, said the BJP remains concerned about the situation and has instructed its units along the border to stay alert and promptly inform the authorities if anything unusual is detected.
Recalling earlier interventions, Pohshna said the issue of infiltration had been raised with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the past and recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already directed the state governments, including Meghalaya, to identify and deport illegal infiltrators.
He added that the party has also written to the Union government urging it to fast-track the completion of border fencing, maintaining that fencing is the most effective way to secure Meghalaya’s long and vulnerable frontier.
HANM renews ILP demand
Raising alarm over alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and reiterating its long-pending demand for the implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya, the Garo Hills unit of the Hynniewtrep A•chik National Movement (HANM) on Wednesday said the absence of ILP has serious implications for the safety and security of indigenous communities in the state.
In a statement, HANM said it has repeatedly approached the Centre seeking the extension of the ILP regime to Meghalaya. The organisation recalled that memorandums were submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019, followed by another representation in 2025, when its leaders again met senior central government officials. Despite these efforts, HANM said no concrete action has been taken so far.
The organisation linked its demand to the recent killing of ACHIK member Dilseng M. Sangma. HANM alleged that the incident involved individuals from Bangladesh and described the killing as a deeply disturbing act that has shaken the local population.
Strongly condemning the murder, HANM urged the police to carry out a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into the case. The organisation demanded that all those involved be identified at the earliest and punished strictly in accordance with the law.
Stating that unchecked illegal entry and settlement continue to aggravate law and order concerns, HANM appealed to both the central and state governments to act without further delay. The organisation maintained that the immediate implementation of ILP is crucial to prevent illegal infiltration and to ensure peace, security, and a sense of safety for the people of Meghalaya.
