The HYC-Shella Area Unit has demanded setting up of 24X 7 checkpoints at strategic locations to tackle increasing cross-border infiltration and illegal activities.
In a letter to the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police the pressure group said check points are required within the jurisdiction of Shella Police Station to thwart movement of people from across Bangladesh through the porous Indo-Bangla border.
The HYC said that illegal cross border trades are thriving in the area and as such these illegal infiltrators may be using the routes and vehicles involved in these illegal trading activities and with the help of some local ‘Dalals’ who facilitate such infiltration.
“As per our knowledge and information, there are no designated check-points/nakas in major roads connecting Shella and other border villages to Sohra and Shillong, within the jurisdiction of Shella P.S. to detect the illegal Bangladeshi nationals and curb the cross-border illegal activities,” the pressure group said.
While the general public and its members are assisting the police by apprehending doubtful persons the HYC said it is not possible and feasible for the general public to continue doing the same especially during night.
These check points should be set up in strategic locations within the subdivision or in locations identified by the police along with Standard Operating Procedures to ensure vigilant checking through systematic inspection of individuals, vehicles and collection of evidence including digital evidence, the HYC said.
