Meghalaya to activate NRC to thwart influx of illegal migrants

Shillong, Nov 19 (UNI) The Meghalaya government today decided to activate the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to tackle the unabated influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the state.

'' We have decided to activate the NRC, besides strengthening the infiltration check-posts to tackle the influx issue,'' Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee told reporters after a high-level security meeting.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police of all the seven districts of the state and senior government and police officials, was chaired by Chief Minister Donkupar Roy.

He also announced the introduction of work permit system in some districts of the state in the near future.

The work permits would be valid for 179 days, one day short of six months to prevent voting rights to such migrants in the state. The work permits can, however, be renewed.

In the aftermath of the serial blast in Assam, several organisations had demanded that the government strengthen the infiltration check-posts across the state to prevent such terror attacks.

Informing that the government has decided to set up a few more police outposts in the border areas of the state, Mr Chatterjee said the government would set up an integrated check gate at Byrnihat, bordering Assam.

Asked about the prevailing law and situation in the state, the Chief Secretary said the situation has improved at lot compared to the yesteryears.

Mr Chatterjee, however, revealed the birth of two militant outfits - the 'Atong Liberation Army' in South Garo Hills district and 'A'chik National Security Defence' in West Khasi Hills district of the state.

''We are acting against them to nip their anti-national elements in their bud,'' he asserted.

Earlier, the Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners and the Superintendent of Police not to compromise on law and order.

UNI RRK KK DB2002