Shillong, May 10: Citing a “grave and escalating threat” to the plains and indigenous people of Garo Hills, Tura MDC Bernard N Marak in a press statement demanded urgent government action to check alleged illegal infiltration from Bengal and Assam.
“Reports of illegal migrants entering through our porous borders have caused deep alarm across villages, particularly in the Phulbari area where new, unfamiliar faces are seen by local residents,” Marak said. “We cannot remain silent while our demographic balance, land rights, and security are put at risk.”
Invoking the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Marak said the protection guaranteed to the tribal homeland “is being undermined daily.”
He placed three urgent demands before authorities Including Immediate beefing up of security along all roads and waterways leading into Garo Hills. The BSF and Meghalaya Police must intensify joint patrolling and set up additional check posts at vulnerable entry points in the plains belt.
Strict verification drives in all border villages. Nokmas, Headmen, and local authorities must be empowered to report and prevent settlement of persons without valid citizenship documents. “No Aadhaar, voter ID, or land allotment should be issued without rigorous scrutiny,” he said.
Action against political patronage of illegal migrants. Marak said he was “deeply disturbed by reports that certain politicians seeking to contest the upcoming Council elections are shielding and defending dual voters to build vote banks.” Calling it a “betrayal of the indigenous people and a violation of constitutional safeguards,” he demanded that such activities be investigated and stopped.
Referring to recent action by locals, Marak noted that residents of Boldamgre village apprehended seven Bangladeshi nationals who crossed illegally and handed them to authorities. “This is the unity and resolve we need across Garo Hills,” he said.
Marak called upon bonafide citizens, civil society and youth organizations, and traditional institutions to stand together. “Our land, our identity, and our future are not negotiable. The time for complacency is over. Protect Garo Hills. Defend the rights of its native people. Stop illegal migration now,” he added.
