What Proactive Steps is Meghalaya CM Taking to Address Illegal Immigration?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Meghalaya is focused on enhancing border security against illegal immigration.
- Collaboration with the BSF and local communities is key to the strategy.
- Regular consultations with security agencies are being held.
- Community participation is vital for effective border management.
- Concrete actions have already led to the apprehension of illegal immigrants.
Shillong, Sep 10 (NationPress) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated on Wednesday that his administration is implementing proactive and concrete measures to address the issue of illegal immigration in the state's vulnerable border regions.
During a discussion in the Assembly, Sangma highlighted that the government has been conducting regular meetings with essential security agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), to enhance collaboration and bolster vigilance against infiltration attempts.
“Deputy Commissioners in border areas have been directed to work closely with local communities and provide all necessary assistance to thwart illegal immigration,” Sangma informed the Assembly.
He emphasized that community involvement is a crucial element of the government's strategy to manage the extensive and porous border.
Sangma also mentioned that additional personnel have been assigned to checkpoints, while both state police and BSF have escalated inspections along highways and other critical routes.
“This approach has already led to the apprehension of multiple individuals,” he remarked.
Sangma dismissed claims of government complacency, asserting that both state and central agencies are collaborating to prevent unrest.
“The government is actively addressing the situation rather than merely observing it,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, he noted that discussions on this matter have reached the “highest level” with the Union Government, indicating the seriousness of the state's approach to the issue.
While certain aspects of internal security operations remain undisclosed for strategic reasons, he reassured the Assembly that the government is fully dedicated to preserving the state's territorial integrity and maintaining peace in border regions.
The challenge of illegal immigration continues to be a delicate issue in Meghalaya, particularly in districts adjacent to Bangladesh, where demographic changes and security threats have been repeatedly raised by civil society organizations and political entities.