Northeast Desk, 20th July: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) has reported to Meghalaya Director General of Police I Nongrang that touts are charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per person to facilitate the illegal entry of Bangladeshi immigrants through damaged or unfenced sections of the border. HANM President Lamphrang Kharbani led a team to meet the DGP on Thursday, seeking intervention to halt these illegal activities. The organization emphasized the urgent need to address the issue to ensure the integrity and security of the state’s borders.
According to Kharbani, touts are taking advantage of the vulnerable border areas, which remain unfenced due to difficult terrain and natural barriers such as rivers and wildlife migration corridors. Approximately 20% of Meghalaya’s international border is susceptible to illegal crossings due to these factors. This situation has raised serious concerns among local communities and authorities about the potential influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
A senior Home Department official acknowledged the severity of the issue and reiterated the government’s commitment to stopping these illegal activities. The official assured that the state government, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), would take all necessary measures to prevent further illegal entries. The government’s proactive stance aims to enhance border security and uphold the rule of law.
In light of the recent violence in Bangladesh, pro-Inner Line Permit (ILP) activists in Meghalaya have heightened their vigilance to detect and prevent the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals. These activists have mobilized members across the state to monitor border areas and report any suspicious activities. The heightened alert is part of broader efforts to ensure that the state’s borders are secure and that illegal immigration is effectively controlled.