Shillong: Meghalaya has identified 658 illegal Bangladeshi nationals since 2021 and deported 194 of them after completion of legal procedure, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed the Assembly on Tuesday, outlining the state government’s intensified crackdown on illegal infiltration.
Replying to a call-attention motion moved by Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator Heaving Stone Kharpran, Tynsong said the state has adopted a “comprehensive and multi-layered” anti-infiltration strategy to curb illegal migration across vulnerable inter-state corridors and the Indo-Bangladesh border.
He said the government has established 18 anti-infiltration checkposts and gates, along with a land customs station at strategic locations, to strengthen surveillance and enforcement.
Special anti-infiltration squads have also been deployed in all districts to carry out regular drives, surprise naka checks and patrols in coordination with the labour department, village defence parties and local authorities.
To strengthen enforcement further, the government has constituted 11 district-level task forces tasked with identifying, prosecuting and deporting illegal foreign nationals.
“These sustained measures have produced concrete results,” the deputy chief minister said, adding that between 2021 and February 3, 2026, a total of 658 illegal Bangladeshi nationals were detected and prosecuted under relevant legal provisions.
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During the same period, 194 individuals were deported after completing their sentences and securing the required travel permits from the Bangladesh Embassy.
Tynsong also said a state-level coordination committee has been formed to deal with foreigners who have overstayed and to ensure seamless coordination among enforcement agencies.
He added that laws including the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, 2016, the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs are being enforced to address infiltration.
Appealing for public cooperation, the deputy chief minister urged citizens and organisations to assist authorities in lawful verification processes, stressing the need to protect genuine Indian citizens while ensuring firm action against illegal migrants.
