Shillong, Jan 5: The state unit of the BJP on Monday said that the party is taking steps to see that the government takes measures to ensure that illegal immigrants do not enter the state from Bangladesh.
State unit spokesperson of the BJP, Wankitbok Pohshna said that the party has written to the government and it is hopeful that the latter is taking measures since Meghalaya shares a porous boundary with Bangladesh.
“As a part we are taking strong steps especially in constituencies bordering Bangladesh. We have emphasised our committees to be vigilant. We are also hopeful that the state government will take stringent actions,” Pohshna said.
On the threat by some elements in Bangladesh to take over the Northeast, the Meghalaya unit of the BJP said the party will not tolerate such intimidation. “Such threats made by them are funny to us because we live in a country which is strong and northeast is an integral part of India and no force can change it,” he added.
Pohshna said that such threats are only rhetoric, considering the situation in Bangladesh is volatile with no elected government.
On recent reports that Bangladeshis are still entering the country through Meghalaya, Pohshna stated that the party has not received any official verification on such claims and if there is any official report the BJP will take note of it.
He said that after the BJP took over the centre, then only the international border fencing was taken seriously. “Even infrastructure development in the border areas was speeded up when the BJP came to power,” Pohshna added.
Pohshna highlighted the need for better implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). He stressed that while the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is essential for regulating entry at check gates, the MRSSA is crucial for monitoring immigration at the village and local levels. “MRSSA is an efficient tool that can be utilized effectively to address illegal immigration concerns, complementing the existing ILP system,” he added.
