Shillong, Oct 28: Meghalaya faces the challenge of illegal immigration and unabated influx from within the country, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma said on Wednesday.
Speaking after the State Security Commission meeting, Sangma said the contentious issue has been discussed by different groups with a collective resolve from people and political parties. To address it, the government brought the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), he said.
“How to properly enforce its implementation and understand its applicability from diverse perspectives based on which the concept and intent of the law was discussed, debated and passed,” he said.
On the inter-state border dispute with Assam, Sangma said it remains a challenge that must be handled with cohesive and mutual responsibility at political, bureaucratic and other levels.
“We have demonstrated in the past that once all layers of authorities under governments are activated and encouraged to engage proactively rather than reactively, we have been able to ensure a conducive environment along the inter-state border and thereby ensuring peace,” he said.
On the international border with Bangladesh, he flagged the plight of landowners who gave land for fencing, saying the 150 yards treated as no-man’s land leads to alienation by default.
“Though there is no legal transfer of property, by default there is alienation since our people cannot utilise those lands outside fencing,” he said, adding the matter must be taken up with the Centre to extend necessary support to affected owners.
