The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has reignited its campaign against what it perceives as an illegal influx of non-tribal workers into Meghalaya, emphasising the need to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The campaign has led to checks on non-tribal employees and establishments, sparking both Controversy and unrest in the region.
On July 8, the KSU’s Mavlai and Mavprem circles inspected their respective areas. KSU leaders reported that 117 non-tribal individuals worked in shops and business establishments without proper labour licenses and Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). These individuals were predominantly from Nepal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.
According to KSU leaders, this intensified campaign was driven by the State Government’s delay in implementing crucial measures such as the work permit system, the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), and the ILP. The KSU argues that these measures are essential to safeguarding the interests of Indigenous communities and controlling the influx of non-tribal individuals into the state.
The campaign extended to other areas, including Polo, where numerous shops were closed due to the owner’s failure to produce renewed business licenses. Similar actions were taken in the Damsinyong area, causing significant disruption to local businesses.
Tensions escalated when the KSU set up an unauthorised ILP check gate on the Guwahati-Shillong Road, a major thoroughfare, to protest the state government’s perceived reluctance to address the issue of illegal influx. Throughout July 6, KSU members stopped vehicles on NH 6, checking the documents of non-tribal individuals entering the state. Those without valid documents were asked to return.
The Ri-Bhoi district administration swiftly intervened to dismantle the check gate. Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa stated that an executive magistrate and a police team were dispatched to the site after learning about the unauthorised structure. “The act of setting up the check gate had no legal basis and that is why it was dropped when the magistrate on duty explained the legal position to those involved,” Dhanoa said. He emphasised that not every person entering Meghalaya is an illegal migrant and acknowledged that while illegal migration is a significant concern, efforts are being made to address it through preventive measures.
The situation took a violent turn on July 9, when KSU members allegedly assaulted labourers at JN Stadium in Polo Grounds. These labourers, including a technician from a private company in Delhi, were working on the stadium’s renovation in preparation for the upcoming Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football competition.
An official involved in organising the Durand Cup group game expressed fury over the incident, describing how KSU members arrived unannounced, checked labour licenses, and resorted to verbal and physical abuse. “A paver operator, who arrived here three days ago to complete the track before the Durand Cup tournament, was assaulted by these individuals. The chief engineer was not present at the site, and within twenty minutes, another group attacked him even as the district magistrate was entering the stadium,” the official, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted.
The attacks have caused panic among the labourers, potentially hindering the stadium’s preparation for the prestigious tournament scheduled to begin on July 27. Sonu, the paver technician who was assaulted, shared his ordeal: “A group of men asked all laborers to gather. I complied, but one guy slapped me, and others joined in, beating me. Later, as I was being escorted to get water, another individual punched and thrashed me.” Sonu stated that he neither wishes to file an FIR nor stay for the Durand Cup due to the traumatic incident. “I don’t want to be involved in this mess. I’ve spoken to the company, and they’ve advised me to leave immediately,” he said.
The driver who transported the machinery was also assaulted and detained for two hours before being released upon presenting his driving license.
In a video obtained by media, KSU members are seen accusing a person from Dalu in Garo Hills of being an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh, despite his denial and presentation of a voter ID card and Aadhaar.
Despite the escalating incidents, the state police have yet to receive an FIR. “We are expecting them to file an FIR and are waiting to take necessary action,” a senior police official confirmed, noting that no police action has been initiated. The KSU’s renewed campaign against illegal influx and the subsequent violence has sparked Controversy and raised questions about the balance between protecting local interests and maintaining law and order in Meghalaya.
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