The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has raised significant concerns regarding the safeguarding of Meghalaya’s international border, particularly in light of ongoing instability in Bangladesh. KSU general secretary Donald Thabah has indicated that in response to the unrest, the union has instructed its units and circles, especially those near the international boundary, to maintain a heightened state of alert. Thabah noted the importance of vigilance, as illegal entrants may infiltrate Meghalaya not just through direct border crossings but also via indirect routes originating from various locations within the country. He pointed out that prior incidents of suspected illegal infiltration have been reported in numerous areas, some of which are considerably distant from the immediate border.
In his assessment, Thabah expressed doubts about the efficacy of current border security measures, as infiltration persists despite the deployment of border security forces. He emphasized that, while the government has committed to enhancing border security, tangible actions on the ground have been lacking, exacerbating the situation in Meghalaya, which is increasingly impacted by influxes of illegal immigration. Additionally, though frameworks such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) are recognized as significant, Thabah insists that true security can only be achieved through rigorous and genuine enforcement of laws. The KSU remains committed to monitoring and reporting instances of illegal entries, urging authorities to avoid disguising or disregarding these occurrences. Thabah articulated that illegal immigration transcends state issues and poses a threat to national security, urging the government to adopt a more serious approach to border protection.
