The Khasi Students Union (KSU) in South West Khasi Hills today detained 12 suspected Bangladeshis from Nongjri and Nonghyllam areas.
The KSU Langkynma unit said its members detected the Bangladesh nationals this morning while trying to cross over illegally through the two villages along the Indo-Bangla border.
The suspected nationals are said to be from Sunamganj district in Bangladesh.
Immediately, the union met with the Deputy Commissioner and expressed concern over infiltration through the South West Khasi Hills border.
The KSU said the BSF responsible to guard the borders is ineffective and demanded that it should concentrate on increasing vigilance at zero points instead of harassing the local population in the main roadways.
Irrespective of their religious identity, if anybody comes from Bangladesh into India illegally, they must be detected and pushed back, the union said, adding that state authorities should broaden the strategy to protect the integrity of the state’s borders in the district.
Stating that there are dalal (touts) who facilitate illegal entry of Bangladeshi immigrants through damaged or unfenced portions of the border, the KSU urged the district administration and police to do a thorough investigation and punish any Indians involved in helping illegal immigrants to enter the country.
Further, the KSU also urged the Deputy Commissioner to hold a joint meeting with the BSF, pressure groups and village heads of all villages within the radius of 10 kms from the international border to curb illegal entry in the future.
“We do have firm faith that you will consider this issue as the top priority as illegal immigration compromises our nation’s security, allowing potential terrorists to hide in the same shadows and severely impact the uniqueness and security of the indigenous Khasi community,” the KSU requested the DC.
