Shillong, Jan 27: Meghalaya is taking steps to curb illegal immigration, with plans to reactivate village defence parties (VDPs) along its international border with Bangladesh.

Announcing this on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong said, “If you talk about illegal immigration, this is a national subject and in fact it is not a state subject but let me tell you one thing as far as this situation that we have in Bangladesh (is concerned), now we have decided as a state government that we will re-activate the functioning of the VDPs in all international border as well as the interstate border.”

Asked if the government is considering providing arms to the VDPs, Tynsong said, “Not necessary arms but we will give them further training. We will have some kind of training and we will also see what are the basic requirement needed – that we are in the process of completing this whole issue. We will give more training the VDPs so that they can also handle this issue (of illegal immigration).”

The deputy chief minister also assured that the state is taking action against illegal immigration as per the existing laws and enforcement mechanisms.

“Action is an ongoing process… We take action accordingly as per the provision of the law.”

He further assured border safety, stating, “Right now, we are safe. Jointly, BSF and state police are fully alerted, and district administrations are directed to take action on receiving information.”

On Bangladesh election precautions, Tynsong said, “We do take precautionary measures irrespective of elections or not”.

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