Shillong, July 23: The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo People (FKJGP) has raised concerns that the eviction of illegal immigrants from Assam may lead to their influx into Meghalaya, due to the state’s shared border with Assam.
In a statement issued today, FKJGP vice president Kitboklang Nongphlang said districts such as Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, East and West Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills are especially vulnerable due to the lack of effective anti-influx laws.
Nongphlang criticised the state government for failing to implement existing laws such as the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016, and the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020.
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He said this failure shows a lack of political will to protect the indigenous population and expressed disappointment over the government’s inaction on pursuing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, despite a unanimous resolution by the State Assembly in 2019.
He also said the government is attempting to cover up its failure by proposing amendments to the MRSSA, 2016.
The FKJGP pointed out that neighbouring Nagaland, which enforces the ILP, has taken steps to monitor population movement in response to the recent evictions in Assam. The organisation urged Meghalaya to do the same.
Accusing the government of prioritising vote bank politics over indigenous welfare, the FKJGP warned of direct action if no concrete steps are taken.
“We demand the state government to take up the issue seriously. If we do not see any sign of action being taken in this regard, we would be compelled to play our own role,” said Nongphlang.
The FKJGP also questioned if infiltration check gates are being used for illegal collections and whether labour inspectors are doing their duties. It has directed all its units and circles to stay vigilant and intensify checks against illegal immigrants across the state.
(Newmai News Network)