The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has alleged serious lapses in the guarding of Meghalaya’s international boundary amidst the instability in Bangladesh. KSU general secretary Donald Thabah said that in the wake of the unrest in the neighbouring country, the students’ union has directed all its units and circles, particularly those along the international border, to remain on high alert.“Vigilance has also been extended across the state as illegal entrants can enter Meghalaya not only through direct border crossings but also via indirect routes from other parts of the country,” Thabah said, while commenting on suspected illegal infiltration detected by KSU.
He said that similar cases have been reported earlier in several areas, including locations far from the immediate border.
“Despite the presence of border security forces, infiltration continues, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of existing measures,” the KSU leader said.He further noted that even as the government has assured tightening border security, there is no sustained action on the ground. “This has compounded the burden making Meghalaya an influx-affected state,” Thabah said.He further said that while mechanisms such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and other regulatory frameworks are important, the borders can only be secured by strict and sincere enforcement.
He asserted that the KSU would continue to remain vigilant and detect cases of illegal entry, while urging the authorities not to suppress or conceal such incidents when they come to light.He stressed that illegal immigration is not merely a state concern but a national security issue, and called on the government to demonstrate greater seriousness in protecting the borders.