Shillong, Jul 24: The Meghalaya government has instructed deputy commissioners and police officers in districts bordering Assam, to be vigilant about possible influx of the evicted people and illegal immigrants.
Assam, has been witnessing a series of five massive eviction exercises in June and July targeting alleged illegal immigrants in various areas.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma chaired a high-level review meeting attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), officials from the Political Department, and deputy commissioners.
“The government has been continuously engaging with the district magistrates so that they further engage with block development officers, police, NGOs, local heads and village defence party, and ensure there is no infiltration or movement because of the Assam eviction drives,” Sangma said.
He said the districts bordering Assam and areas closer to places of eviction drives were vulnerable.
Several Meghalaya districts share borders with Assam. These include West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills.
“We have received reports that no incident has been recorded so far. All the concerned stakeholders at the village and block levels are working in close coordination to report any suspicious movement or entry into the state,” Sangma said.
On Thursday, the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) had warned against the possible risk of influx into Meghalaya after eviction drives in the neighbouring state.
Hours after the warning, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shakil P Ahammed issued a directive to all deputy commissioners to maintain strict vigilance, take necessary measures to prevent any potential influx, and ensure that law and order is upheld in view of the developments in Assam.
“In view of the ongoing eviction drive against illegal immigrants undertaken by the Government of Assam and to prevent possible influx of the displaced individuals to the state as a consequence, all deputy commissioners are hereby directed to keep vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure the potential influx is kept in check and law and order is maintained,” the additional chief secretary (Home) had told the deputy commissioners.
