Congress Member of Parliament from Tura, Saleng A. Sangma, has called on the Central government to urgently reinforce security along the India–Bangladesh border, warning that ongoing infiltration concerns pose a serious risk to Meghalaya and the country’s overall security.
Sangma’s remarks come amid rising concerns over alleged illegal cross-border movement from Bangladesh through vulnerable stretches of the international boundary in recent days. He cautioned that the issue must not be ignored, stating that unregulated entry could have long-term implications for internal stability and national security.
The MP said he has already raised the matter with the Central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising the need for immediate and effective measures to secure the border. He suggested the creation of physical barriers along sensitive stretches, drawing comparisons with border fencing used in other countries, and called for the deployment of additional Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Northeast.
According to Sangma, several border areas remain inadequately guarded, leaving them exposed to unauthorised crossings. He warned that failure to act decisively could worsen the situation and lead to serious security challenges in the future.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Indigenous Women’s Council (MIWC) has also expressed serious concern over reports of illegal entry by Bangladeshi nationals, alleging that some local individuals may be aiding such movements.
In a statement, MIWC president Bythygrace Dkhar condemned an incident reported on June 21 last year, in which individuals identified as Everjoy Siangshai, David Dkhar and Arpan Siangshai, residents of Ladrymbai “B”, were allegedly involved in facilitating illegal border crossings. “It is alarming that such incidents are occurring despite the presence of BSF personnel in border areas. This points to significant gaps in surveillance and enforcement,” Dkhar said.
She warned that illegal infiltration threatens the safety, property, and livelihoods of local communities, citing concerns over theft, harassment, and misuse of homes, farmlands, and commercial establishments. Dkhar urged authorities to conduct thorough inspections in areas such as Ladrymbai, Soo Kilo, Iew Cement (Sutnga) and surrounding cement factory zones, noting a noticeable increase in migrant populations in recent years.
The MIWC president stressed that unchecked infiltration endangers not only security but also the cultural identity, land rights, and traditional way of life of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities. She clarified that while Arpan Siangshai was named in the report, he is a resident of Ladrymbai Datsimpein and not an outsider.
The council has appealed to the government to strengthen border surveillance, take firm action against those facilitating illegal entry, and ensure the protection of indigenous rights across the state.
