Meghalaya ramps up border vigil amid Assam’s eviction drive against illegal immigrants

In response to Assam’s ongoing eviction drive targeting illegal immigrants, the Meghalaya government has stepped up surveillance and preventive measures along its interstate border to counter any potential influx of displaced individuals.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma chaired a high-level meeting with all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to assess the security situation and reinforce coordination between administrative, law enforcement, and grassroots stakeholders.

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“We are working closely with district officials, traditional heads, NGOs, and Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to ensure that no infiltration takes place, particularly in vulnerable pockets,” the chief minister said in a post on social media platform X.

The move follows concerns that individuals evicted from Assam may attempt to enter Meghalaya through porous stretches of the interstate border.

The state government has directed all DCs to maintain strict vigilance and work in tandem with police forces and border security agencies to prevent any unauthorized entry.

An official communique issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shakil P Ahamed underscored the urgency of the situation.

“In view of the ongoing eviction drive against illegal immigrants undertaken by the Government of Assam and to prevent possible influx of the displaced individuals to the state as a consequence, all deputy commissioners are hereby directed to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure the potential influx is kept in check and law and order is maintained,” it stated.

The Border Security Force (BSF), which guards Meghalaya’s international boundary with Bangladesh, has also intensified patrols along the interstate and international borders.

BSF personnel have reportedly apprehended several Bangladeshi nationals in recent weeks for crossing over and travelling without valid documents.

Assam has been carrying out a state-wide eviction drive against illegal settlers, primarily targeting those occupying government land without valid documents.

The move has sparked anxiety in neighbouring states like Meghalaya and Nagaland, where authorities fear a spillover of displaced persons. Illegal immigration, especially from Bangladesh, has long been a politically sensitive issue in the Northeast.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh and also has a shared history of demographic concerns, particularly in districts like West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and West Garo Hills.