Shillong, Aug 21: The three-member panel from the state government deployed to assess the situation in South West Khasi Hills following the recent attack on a villager by Bangladeshi infiltrators has found that miscreants from Bangladesh were using collapsed and damaged border fencing to infiltrate into Meghalaya territory.
The team comprising of Mendipathar legislator and adviser of Power department Marthon J Sangma, former Mawsynram legislator and adviser of education department Himalaya Shangpliang and vice-chairman Kitboklang Nongrem were dispatched by the chief minister,
interacted with the border residents of Khonjoy B, Rangdongai and Maheshkhola on Thursday.
Villagers shared concern that portions of the fencing which are far from the Border Out Post have collapsed and are being used by Bangladeshi infiltrators to carry out various activities. They however expressed confidence in the BSF and police, who are conducting round-the-clock patrols.
Shangpliang said the three-member team will soon submit a report to the chief minister and deputy chief minister on their visit to the border villages for necessary action on the issue.
“The residents of Maheskhola have urged the government to immediately repair the damaged fencing along the international border,” Shangpliang said.
He emphasized that the illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals poses a serious threat to the safety and security of people residing in the border areas, especially women and children.
Shangpliang informed that the Superintendent of Police (SP) of South West Khasi Hills, B Jyrwa, has sought additional deployment of forces in the village.
