By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 10: State BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak on Sunday called for urgent measures to prevent alleged illegal infiltration into Garo Hills, claiming that local residents in parts of the plains belt were witnessing the movement and settlement of unfamiliar people entering through porous borders.
In a statement, Marak said reports of alleged illegal migrants entering from Bengal and Assam had caused concern among residents, particularly in the Phulbari area. He claimed that the demographic balance, land rights and security of indigenous people were under threat and asserted that constitutional protections provided under the Sixth Schedule were being undermined.
Marak demanded immediate strengthening of security along roads and waterways leading into Garo Hills and called for intensified joint patrolling by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Meghalaya Police. He also sought the setting up of additional check posts in vulnerable areas across the plains belt.
The BJP leader further called for strict verification drives in border villages and said Nokmas, headmen and local authorities should be empowered to report and prevent settlement of persons without valid citizenship documents.
He also demanded that Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards and land allotments should not be issued without proper scrutiny and verification.
Marak further alleged that certain political figures preparing for the upcoming Autonomous District Council elections were protecting “dual voters” to build vote banks. He described such actions as a betrayal of indigenous people and sought investigation into the matter.
Referring to a recent incident, he said residents of Boldamgre village had apprehended seven Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly entered illegally and handed them over to the authorities.
Marak also appealed to citizens, civil society groups, youth organisations and traditional institutions to unite in protecting the interests and identity of indigenous communities in Garo Hills.
