Fears have been expressed by at least two pressure groups that action taken by the Assam government against so-called illegal settlers on the inter-state border will provoke an influx of migrants into Meghalaya.
Hundreds of shops and houses have been destroyed by the Assam government over alleged illegal occupation of government land along the Assam-Meghalaya border road from Jorabat to Byrnihat.
Police and magistrates from Assam were at 15 Mer where many shops were destroyed by a bulldozer.
One resident of 13 Mile, Ringku Deka, supported the Assam government’s action, blaming the “illegal settlers” for occupying government land, especially on roadsides, which in turn has caused flooding during heavy rain. The Assam government has been on a mission to blame whoever it can for flooding in Guwahati rather than accept responsibility itself.
In Meghalaya, the local units of the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and Khasi Students Union (KSU) have expressed concern regarding the recent eviction drive as they fear potential influx of displaced individuals from Assam to Meghalaya.
Lumlang Mawnai of the FKJGP said that those who have had their dwellings and homes in Assam demolished might try to find refuge in Meghalaya. The pressure group has urged village authorities not to accommodate such settlers or allow them to rent homes in areas under their jurisdiction.
