Meghalaya has detected a total of 628 nationals from Bangladesh over the past five years, out of whom 194 have been deported after completion of legal procedures, according to State Home Minister Prestone Tynsong. Replying to a query in the Assembly, the minister stated that the 628 Bangladeshi nationals were identified between 2021 and February this year. During the same period, 194 individuals were deported after serving their sentences and obtaining the required travel permits from the Bangladesh Embassy.
The government said it has been working to curb illegal infiltration through a strengthened anti-infiltration mechanism. As part of this system, 18 anti-infiltration check posts, gates, and customs stations have been set up at strategic locations along inter-state and India–Bangladesh border areas. Special squads in various districts regularly conduct inspections, surprise checks, and patrol operations.
The minister added that the drives are being carried out in close coordination with the Labour Department, police, local authorities, and community organisations. Eleven district-level task forces have also been formed to detect illegal foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, a state-level committee has been entrusted with monitoring the identification and deportation of foreign nationals. The Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, has also been implemented in East Khasi Hills district.
The government has appealed to citizens and organisations to cooperate with authorities through lawful means, ensuring that genuine Indian citizens are not harassed in the name of detecting illegal migrants.