Meghalaya Ramps Up Anti-Infiltration Efforts Against Illegal Migration

Meghalaya has identified 658 illegal Bangladeshi nationals since 2021, with 194 deported after serving their sentences, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told the Assembly on Tuesday. His remarks come amid the state's heightened campaign against illegal infiltration, as he responded to a call-attention notice by the Voice of the People Party legislator, Heaving Stone Kharpran.

Tynsong detailed the government's comprehensive multi-layered strategy to combat illegal migration along the inter-state and Indo-Bangladesh border. This includes 18 anti-infiltration checkposts and a land customs station at key points, alongside special squads conducting regular surprise inspections and patrols in coordination with local authorities.

The Deputy Chief Minister said 11 district task forces have been established to identify and deport illegal foreign nationals. Since 2021, these measures have been pivotal in detecting and prosecuting 658 illegal migrants. The state's Resident Safety and Security Act and national immigration laws are integral to these efforts, with the government urging cooperation from citizens and organizations to uphold lawful verification processes.