Shillong, Aug 11: A garo student body has asked the district administration of South West Garo Hills to beef up security along the Assam–Meghalaya border to prevent illegal immigration and protect demographic balance.
Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Western Zone (South), in its letter to Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak on Monday, flagged concerns over the “significant influx” of people from neighbouring states and countries into Ampati region, warning of security challenges if it goes unchecked.
The union has called for regular influx and immigrant checks along the border, the establishment of influx checking gates at key entry points such as Mirjumla, Jhunjuni, Aidoba, Garodoba, Garobadha Trijunction, and other connecting border roads, as well as the immediate enforcement of the Task Force Committee to monitor and control influx.
The GSU also sought urgent documentation and verification of households of suspected illegal settlers in several border areas, including Jhunjuni, Kathuli, Jholgaon, Thakurunbari, Mirjumla, Ichakuri, Chandamari, Aidoba, Chondonpara, Bansali, and Tepolpara, citing a steady rise in population in these locations.
Warning that Garo Hills could face a situation “similar to Tripura and Manipur” if action is delayed, the union said it is ready to cooperate with the administration and police in carrying out checks and even plans to initiate its own monitoring drives.
Referring to eviction drives in Assam and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, the GSU cautioned against Meghalaya becoming a “dumping ground” for illegal immigrants.
