SHILLONG, SEP 18: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded the State government to immediately remove of the illegal BSF camps at Sonapyrdi, Ratacherra and Hingaria and to set up an additional anti-infiltration check gate along the National Highway-6 in East Jaintia Hills District.
A memorandum was submitted to the deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Monday.
KSU-EJHD Unit president Streamly N Suchen said, “(We) requests your immediate action to remove these illegal BSF camps and be relocated to the remote border areas of the country and also to take cognizance of their atrocities and be held accountable for their actions and we remain hopeful that you will take suitable measures to alleviate the distress faced by the people living in the vicinity of the BSF camp at Sonapyrdi, Ratacherra, and Hingaria.”
He said a series of serious complaints have been received about the dictatorial control and high handedness of the BSF within the surrounding areas of NH-6 road.
Suchen said on March 2, 2023 a group of BSF personnels in full uniform and armed duty attacked a student of one Huroi village while he was on his way to school.
“This incident has left the villagers feeling vulnerable and living in fear. This act has caused the villagers and the union to strongly condemn the actions of these personnel and moreover several attempts were made by the BSF to create fear and hostility among the local people,” he added.
He said that the reported instances of harassment range from undue interrogations, frequent vehicle searches, intimidation tactics, and disrespect towards the local community. These actions have resulted in a sense of fear and insecurity among the residents, negatively impacting their daily lives and overall well-being.
“Such behavior is regrettable and not in line with the principles of fairness and respect that our administration seeks to uphold,” Suchen said.
The KSU-EJHDU also demanded the State government to set up an additional ant-infiltration check gate along the NH-6 particularly at Tongseng in order to check the flow of illegal immigration from neighbouring Bangladesh.
Suchen said the KSU Narpuh circle had recently managed to capture the free flow of these alleged suspected Bangladeshi immigrants from Kuliang forest crossing the border.
He said a series of these immigrants have been detected and foiled many times by the union and Dorbar Shnong respectively and have also been booked under certain provisions of the law.
“This constant flow of illegal immigrants has been a great concern whereby if not being detained one can stem other issues and result in crimes.”
Suchen said through the testimonies of local residents and corroborating evidence, that the existing check gates in the region are ill-equipped to handle the volume of immigrants passing through. Particularly, the lack of an infiltration check gate at Tongseng has paved the way for an unmanageable influx of illegal immigrants into the district. This situation has caused distress and concern among the local population, as well as jeopardizing the security and stability of the region.
“In order to safeguard the interests of the people of East Jaintia Hills and maintain the integrity of our borders, we humbly request your intervention in establishing a new infiltration check gate at Tongseng,” he said.
By our Reporter
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