Shillong, July 28: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla has expressed confidence that the state’s legal and constitutional safeguards are strong enough to protect its borders.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over a possible influx of illegal immigrants following fresh eviction drives in Assam.
It also comes at a time when legislators across Meghalaya are voicing unease over the risk of unchecked influx into the state in the wake of Assam’s ongoing eviction drives.
Shylla, who represents East Jaintia Hills—bordering Assam’s Cachar district, where large-scale evictions are currently underway—told reporters that Meghalaya’s provisions, such as the Land Transfer Act and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, offer robust protection against outsiders settling illegally.
“When it comes to influx, we are blessed to have the Land Transfer Act and the Sixth Schedule. For anyone from outside, especially non-tribals, it’s almost impossible to settle here without proper documentation. We are well protected—no doubt,” Shylla said.
While acknowledging that additional measures such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) remain desirable, Shylla maintained that the current framework already provides significant safeguards. “It’s better to be alert now than to act after people have already entered. But we need not fear too much because of the safeguards we have, especially the Land Transfer Act,” he added.
Responding to queries about stepped-up vigilance along the East Jaintia Hills–Assam border, Shylla said stronger border protection was needed across the state, not just in his constituency. “With cooperation from the public and a united effort, no one can harm us,” he said, praising the work of officials and security departments.
However, he pointed to inter-community marriages as a potential loophole. “The loophole is when someone enters through marriage with our local women. That’s difficult to tackle. But if we all work together and do not give them that chance, that itself is protection,” he noted.
On reports of suspicious movement in the mining belt, Shylla said no such information had reached him. He also confirmed that the government was already strengthening infiltration check gates, adding that there was no need for special representations from his side since “the concerned departments are doing their job.”
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