Shillong, Aug 1: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday said key entry points to the State have been fortified to detect and prevent entry of illegal migrants and unregistered interstate workers.
In the wake of the recent eviction drive in Assam, Tynsong assured that the Meghalaya government has ramped up border security to prevent illegal migrants from slipping into the state through its borders.
“We have already strengthened all checkpoints, including Byrnihat, where manpower has been doubled or tripled to ensure round-the-clock checking,” he said.
Tynsong also addressed concerns over the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
He stated that the government is currently examining whether to revisit the existing MRSSA or to introduce a new, more comprehensive bill. “Very soon, we will be able to finalise our approach,” he added.
On the issue of migrant labourers, Tynsong said that all government departments and private contractors have been directed to ensure proper documentation. “The infiltration branch has been tasked to verify if labourers entering the state possess the necessary documents. This system is in place and must be strictly enforced,” he asserted.
Responding to criticism from Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, who alleged the government had misled the public on ILP, Tynsong hit back, saying, “We are the only government that passed a resolution demanding ILP from the Centre. During Mukul’s tenure, ILP was never even considered. For us, ILP is in our brain, in our blood.”
Addressing the delay since the 2019 resolution, he clarified, “We have met central leaders no less than 10–15 times every year. The matter is under serious consideration—both the ILP and the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule. Eventually, the Centre must either approve it or communicate clearly if they won’t. But let me assure you — we are not lying, and we are not sitting idle.”
Tynsong also dismissed speculation that the Centre had asked Meghalaya to choose between the Sixth Schedule and ILP. “There was no such condition from the Government of India. The ILP and Sixth Schedule are two completely separate matters,” he said.
