Legislate new law to combat illegal immigrants: NGOs

Shillong, Nov 2 (UNI) Concerned over the illegal Bangladeshi immigrant issue, several NGOs have decided to ask the Meghalaya government to pass a legislation for checking infiltration of 'non-tribals' into the state.

At least 19 organisations from Khasi and Jaintia Hills would meet Chief Minister Donkupar Roy and apprise him of the large-scale influx of illegal migrants.

'' We will impress on him to pass a legislation in the upcoming winter session of the Assembly to tackle infiltration of illegal immigrants into the state,'' Chairman of the Committee of NGOs, HP Oflyn Dohling told UNI here today.

Mr Dohling said the Committee of NGOs would also meet other Cabinet Ministers to highlight the gravity of the issue.

'' A panel has been constituted with the task of drafting a memorandum on the issue of illegal immigrants,'' he said.

Mr Dolhing added that influx of illegal immigrants continued because of the failure of the government mechanism including the Infiltration Wing.

Earlier, the Meghalaya government decided to implement the work permit system to deal with the bourgeoning problems of workmen migrants in the state.

'' We have decided to issue work permits to inter-state migrants from December to prevent influx of foreigners and outside labourers into the state,'' Urban Affairs Minister and government Spokesman, Paul Lyngdoh said.

The inter-state migrants will now have to register themselves with the respective District Councils for issuance of work permits.

'' The permits have to be renewed in every 179 days so that they cannot claim the rights of permanent residency- as per the existing laws, any Indian citizen who resides at a place for over six months may apply for permanent residency,'' Mr Lyngdoh said.

He said, ''The work permit will prevent labourers coming from outside the State to get voting rights and would discourage them to register as a voter in the state''.

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