Meghalaya concerned over infiltration from Bangladesh: CM

Shillong, May 5 (UNI) While admitting that new villages were growing along the zero line on the international border between Bangladesh and India, Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy today said the main concern of the State Government was rather the threat posed by infiltrators.

In his reply to the call attention motion tabled by Mr Lahkmen Rymbui (Cong) from the border region of War Jaintia on the increase number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh on account of Global Warming, Dr Roy said besides a large number of police outposts, the Border Security Force (BSF) also has about 80 border outpost to help check infiltration from Bangladesh.

He also informed that about 8835 people 'with no proof of identity' were apprehended during the last one year and has been asked ''to produce proof of nationality''.

''I urge all members of the public to cooperate with the government in their endeavour to guard the borders and to prevent infiltration,'' the Chief Minister said.

With regard to border fencing, which was still pending in some places along the border on account of objections by some people, Dr Roy said, ''in some areas the fencing was complete, but in some other areas the work was kept on hold since people were objecting.'' He later said only when settled with the land owners ''the work may perhaps be taken up.'' He also reiterated that ''not a single inch of land will be allowed to go to foreign nationals.'' UNI RRK LL PY KN1747