Tura, Feb 4,2025: Social Activist from West Garo Hills, Cherian Momin sent a Memorandum to Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India to urgent Intervention Regarding the Influx of Illegal Immigrants, Cross-Border Smuggling, Border Fencing, Strengthening Border Security, and Establishing Functional Entry and Exit Points in Meghalaya.
This memorandum highlights the present situation, provides substantial evidence of illegal activities along the border, and highlights the growing security concerns arising from transnational threats, including the ongoing internal conflicts in Bangladesh that exacerbate migration pressure into India, particularly Meghalaya.
Meghalaya, sharing a 443-kilometer-long porous border with Bangladesh, has been facing an escalating crisis due to the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants. This influx is not merely a demographic issue but has significant socio-economic, political, and security implications. Despite multiple legislative measures and enforcement directives,
persistent gaps in surveillance and infrastructure have led to unchecked movement, undermining the sovereignty and security of our nation. This situation has led to a dramatic demographic shift in various parts of Meghalaya, particularly in areas bordering Bangladesh. Many indigenous communities, particularly in the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills, have been witnessing an unprecedented socio-cultural and economic burden due to the large-scale infiltration of illegal immigrants informed Cherian Momin.
Moreover, cross-border smuggling of contraband goods, narcotics, and cattle has proliferated in the absence of stringent border management mechanisms. Reports and ground assessments indicate that numerous routes have been actively used by criminal networks, contributing to the destabilization of border security. The lack of adequate fencing and technological surveillance along critical border stretches has further exacerbated this issue, allowing organized crime syndicates to operate with impunity. The menace of illegal immigration has not only threatened national security but has also severely impacted local economies, leading to resource depletion, unfair competition for employment, and an increasing law and order problem.
Apart from illegal immigration, smuggling activities have intensified in the border areas. The primary commodities being smuggled include,
Cattle Smuggling: Large-scale illicit transportation of cattle to Bangladesh continues, leading to significant economic losses and security threats. Drug and Various narcotics, including heroin, Yaba tablets, and marijuana, are smuggled through Meghalaya, making the state a transit hub for drug cartels operating between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Human Trafficking: Women and children from vulnerable communities are being trafficked into Bangladesh and beyond, with little accountability or intervention. Essential Commodities Smuggling. Food grains, fertilizers, and petroleum products meant for Indian citizens are illegally transported to Bangladesh, causing artificial shortages and inflation in local markets.
The porous nature of the border, coupled with insufficient fencing, has only facilitated these illegal activities, making immediate intervention imperative said Momin.
Furthermore, the ongoing political and social instability in Bangladesh has contributed to an increase in transborder migration. The socio-political tensions, religious conflicts, and economic downturn in Bangladesh have exacerbated migration pressure, resulting in an increased number of undocumented individuals seeking refuge in India. This influx poses an imminent risk to the internal security of Meghalaya and requires immediate intervention at both the diplomatic and enforcement levels.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and state law enforcement agencies, despite their commendable efforts, continue to face significant challenges in controlling this influx due to the absence of a fully functional border fence and advanced surveillance systems. Intelligence reports suggest that smugglers and traffickers exploit gaps in border security to facilitate the illegal movement of people and contraband, further complicating security management. The need for enhanced border fortification, including the deployment of high-tech surveillance equipment such as drones, night vision cameras, and advanced patrolling strategies, is imperative to mitigate this ongoing crisis.
Additionally, the absence of designated functional entry and exit points in Meghalaya has led to an unregulated movement of people, allowing illegal immigrants to merge into local populations without scrutiny. The establishment of properly monitored immigration checkpoints, equipped with biometric verification systems, is crucial to ensuring lawful entry and exit procedures while deterring unauthorized infiltration. The implementation of a structured border management policy that includes the registration and tracking of individuals entering and exiting Meghalaya must be prioritized to prevent future security breaches.
The central government’s initiatives, including the fencing of the Indo-Bangladesh border, must be expedited to address the vulnerabilities that persist along Meghalaya’s border. Sections of the border remain unfenced due to disputes over land acquisition and local opposition; however, given the severity of the situation, it is imperative that the completion of fencing projects be declared a national security priority.
The porous nature of the border, coupled with insufficient fencing, has only facilitated these illegal activities, making immediate intervention imperative.
The central government’s initiatives, including the fencing of the Indo-Bangladesh border, must be expedited to address the vulnerabilities that persist along Meghalaya’s border. Sections of the border remain unfenced due to disputes over land acquisition and local opposition; however, given the severity of the situation, it is imperative that the completion of fencing projects be declared The government must also collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure community engagement and support in implementing these security measures.
Given these pressing concerns, “I earnestly urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to take the following immediate actions” said Momin:
Expedite the completion of border fencing along the entire stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya with robust surveillance mechanisms. Deploy advanced technological monitoring systems, including drones, infrared cameras, and biometric verification at all strategic border points. Strengthen the operational capacity of the Border Security Force (BSF) and increase personnel deployment in vulnerable areas. Establish designated and well-monitored functional entry and exit points to regulate cross-border movement and prevent unauthorized infiltration.
Implement stringent verification mechanisms and mandatory registration for individuals migrating from Bangladesh to Meghalaya. Conduct diplomatic dialogues with the Bangladesh government to ensure cooperative border management and curb illegal migration. Initiate a high-level security assessment and task force to evaluate and address the gaps in Meghalaya’s border security infrastructure.
Implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya to regulate the entry of non-residents into the state. Establishing comprehensive verification drive to identify and deport illegal immigrants residing in Meghalaya and well-regulated entry and exit points with proper documentation and verification processes.
Establishing functional and well-monitored entry and exit points with biometric verification to regulate cross-border movement. The protection of India’s territorial integrity and the security of its citizens must remain a topmost priority. Meghalaya, being at the frontline of this issue, requires urgent attention and decisive action to safeguard its people, economy, and security interests. The situation demands a proactive and resolute approach from the central government, and I trust that your esteemed office will take cognizance of this matter with the urgency it deserves.The government must also collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure community engagement and support in implementing these security measures. Establishing functional and well-monitored entry and exit points with biometric verification to regulate cross-border movement.
The protection of India’s territorial integrity and the security of its citizens must remain a topmost priority. Meghalaya, being at the frontline of this issue, requires urgent attention and decisive action to safeguard its people, economy, and security interests. The situation demands a proactive and resolute approach from the central government, and I trust that your esteemed office will take cognizance of this matter with the urgency it deserves.
The government must also collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure community engagement and support in implementing these security measures, urged Momin.
