CSCI proposes stringent measures against illegal immigrants

Shillong, Aug 18 (UNI) The Meghalaya Cabinet Sub-Committee on Influx (CSCI) has proposed stringent rules to detect and contain the inflow of illegal immigrants in the state.

State Urban Affairs Minister and CSCI Chairman Paul Lyngdoh said the committee had discussed a number of steps to incorporate new stringent rules in accordance with the existing Central Act, besides further amendment of the existing Inter-State Migrant Work (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 (amended in 1985).

Mr Lyngdoh held discussions with Labour department officials, Khasi Students' Union (KSU) and Garo Students' Union (GSU) leaders yesterday, who had been demanding implementation of stringent laws to tackle the unabated influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and labourers into the state.

The Committee suggested incorporating labour license rules in the existing Act, mandatory registration of labour contractors with the District Council and issuance of work permits for the labourers.

''The responsibility will eventually lie on the principal employers or contractors,'' the minister said.

The permits would have to be renewed every 179 days to ensure that the illegal immigrants could not claim permanent residency rights as well as check the influx of labourers from the outside the state, he asserted.

Another important step would be to immediately implement, the State mining policy, which is now in its final drafting stage, he added.

KSU and GSU activists, who had been demanding action against influx of illegal migrants, welcomed the CSCI's proposals.

KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said the proposals, if implemented, would find a permanent solution to the influx issue in the state.

''The government must adopt stringent measures to deal with influx of foreigners in the interests of our identity and our national security,'' Mr Jyrwa said.

UNI