Shillong, Sept 16: Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang on Thursday drew the attention of the Assembly towards the infiltration camp located at Hatmawdon in Mawsynram constituency, which is located few kilometers away from international border.

“I had apprised DGP about the situation that the police personnel manning there are sitting idle and there are hardly any immigrants caught; only rare cases. Instead of wasting all these infiltration camps I had suggested that it would be more beneficial to open an outpost,” said Shangpliang while participating in the discussion on illegal migration issue.

“He (DGP) was considerate that he would submit proposal but I’ve seen the reply (to my query on this) was no,” he added.

Shangpliang narrated how during the winter season, hordes of Bangladeshis would come in and cut away all betel nut from the plantation on the side of Meghalaya. He added that the infiltration camp boys are helpless because hundreds of them would come and are armed with weapons.

“They would make swift movements, chop the betel nut and take away. We require police protection of these plantations of our own people. I have justified my claim instead of this camp it is more beneficial to have an outpost,” Shangpliang urged the Home Minister, to which the Rymbui said he will look into it.

Saleng warns about Rohingya refugees

After hearing the number of Bangladeshi illegal infiltrators, MLA Saleng Sangma said that the government should be concerned about the Rohingya refugees which are more than lakhs.

He said the government should strengthen the border areas to check the infiltrators. He suggested that pillar posts should also be setup so that there is proper demarcation.

Govt to examine demand for police outpost at Hatmawdon

Replying to Shangpliang, the Home Minister said the government will examine the need for setting up of a police outpost at Hatmawdon along the Indo-Bangla border in East Khasi Hills district.