SHILLONG, FEB 17: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday outlined its enforcement campaign against illegal migration, reporting that 658 Bangladeshi nationals have been prosecuted and 194 deported since 2021.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home (Police) portfolio, gave the figures in the Assembly while responding to a call attention notice moved by VPP MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran. He said the state is relying on a “comprehensive and multi-layered anti-infiltration mechanism” that links border infrastructure, district-level squads and inter-departmental task forces.
At present, 18 check posts, gates and a land customs station operate at sensitive stretches of the inter-state and Indo-Bangladesh border.
District-level squads conduct surprise NAKA checks and joint patrols with Labour Department officials, Village Defence Parties and local bodies. Eleven District Task Forces have also been set up to coordinate detection and deportation efforts.
“From 2021 till 03.02.2026, a total of 658 Bangladeshi nationals were detected in the state and prosecuted under relevant legal provisions,” Tynsong said.
“During the same period, 194 Bangladeshi nationals were deported after completion of their sentence and upon obtaining the requisite Travel Permit from the Bangladesh Embassy.”
A state-level monitoring committee has been formed, while the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, 2016, is being enforced in pockets of East Khasi Hills. Officials are also applying the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and MHA guidelines.
“The government appeals to all organisations and citizens to cooperate with the authorities and allow verification to be carried out through lawful means,” Tynsong said, adding that the aim is to safeguard genuine Indian citizens while acting firmly against infiltration.
By Our Reporter
