Shillong: The Meghalaya government has directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) in the state to maintain vigil along the state’s borders and take necessary measures to prevent suspected illegal immigrants being pushed back by neighbouring Assam from entering the state.
The state government has asked all DCs to coordinate with police and border security agencies to monitor vulnerable border areas and prevent any unauthorised entry, an official said.
The directive was issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shakil P Ahamed amid an intensified drive by the Assam government to deport individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals.
“In view of the ongoing pushback of foreigners by the Assam Government and to prevent their possible entry into Meghalaya, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to remain alert and take necessary steps to check such movement and ensure law and order is maintained,” Ahamed said.
Meghalaya shares an 884.9km-long border with Assam.
Assam has recently intensified its eviction operations in districts such as Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Hojai and Nagaon, targeting people allegedly encroaching on government and forest lands, many of whom are suspected to be illegal immigrants. Several families have been displaced in the process.
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Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has also heightened surveillance along the inter-state border.
In recent weeks, BSF troops in Meghalaya apprehended several Bangladeshi nationals for entering and travelling without valid documents.
