Shillong, Aug 4: Assam’s eviction drives have sparked tensions in Meghalaya as pressure groups have started taking measures to prevent evicted individuals from crossing borders.
The Jaintia Hills region on Monday witnessed checking of entrants carried out by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) and the Jaintia Students Union (JSU).
In Saphai, located along the Meghalaya-Assam border in West Jaintia Hills, the KSU Kupli area circle accompanied by the police carried out checks to prevent illegal immigration and pushed back individuals with no documents.
The KSU expressed concern that after the eviction drive in Assam, illegal settlers are taking advantage of Meghalaya’s lenient entry conditions.
Stating that Saphai is being used as an entry point by suspected foreigners, the union said Meghalaya should be vigilant and enforce stricter measures to prevent illegal immigration.
The union said it will continue to carry out such checks along the inter-state border.
On the other hand, the JSU, Khliehriat carried out checks at the infiltration checkgate in Ratacherra, East Jaintia Hills.
JSU central president Jersom Shylla said many of those who entered the State have been pushed back, though numbers were not available.
The union reiterated the need to implement the Inner Line Permit in the State.
