SHILLONG, Jan 28: Meghalaya is taking steps to curb illegal immigration, with plans to reactivate Village Defence Parties (VDPs) along its international border with Bangladesh.
Announcing this, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home, Prestone Tynsong said, “If you talk about illegal immigration, this is a national subject and it is not a state subject, but as far as the situation in Bangladesh is concerned, we have decided as a state government that we will re-activate the functioning of the VDPs in all international borders as well as the interstate borders.”
On whether the government is considering providing arms to the VDPs, Tynsong said, “Not necessarily arms, but we will give them further training. We will have some kind of training and also assess the basic requirements needed. We are in the process of completing this whole issue. We will give more training to the VDPs so that they can also handle the issue of illegal immigration.”
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The deputy chief minister also assured that the state is taking action against illegal immigration as per existing laws and enforcement mechanisms.
“Action is an ongoing process. We take action accordingly as per the provisions of the law.”
He further assured border safety, stating, “Right now, we are safe. Jointly, the BSF and state police are fully alerted, and district administrations have been directed to take action on receiving information.”
On precautions related to elections in Bangladesh, Tynsong said, “We do take precautionary measures irrespective of elections or not.” (NNN)
