Conrad for strong mechanism to check illegal immigration

SHILLONG, APR 4: Expressing its keen interest to improve the economic relationship with neigbouring Bangladesh, the state government today however said there is need to put in place a strong mechanism to address the concern of illegal immigration into the state.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma during his two-day official visit to New Delhi, had discussed the possibility of issuing of work permit to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration with Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Speaking to reporters after his return to the state here on Wednesday, Conrad said countries like Australia, US and UK all have systems where individuals who like to go and work in a different country can work but cannot vote or become a citizen of that country.

With this background, he said the discussion (on work permit) took place with the idea to develop a strong mechanism in the long run to ensure the land and the people are protected.

“Looking at that model here also people who would like to come and work will have to come through a systematic channel and ensure they get their work permit. That kind of mechanism is worth looking at,” Conrad said.

Stating that the matter needs to be discussed with everybody, the chief minister said, “More discussion will also take place with all the chief ministers of the North eastern states. We need to ensure idea comes up based on pros and cons and decision will be made.”

Moreover, he said that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the state gets the maximum economic benefit but at the same time policy should be in place to protect and safeguard the people and the land.

“We want the economic relationship between India and Bangladesh to go up as that will impact the people of our state directly and with that concern we are moving keeping in mind the challenges we are going to face,” he said.

With Meghalaya share over 443 km border with Bangladesh, the chief minister also proposed to devise a new strategy on “Act South” to ensure trade and commerce thrives in the region.

“In the whole context of Act East Policy, for Meghalaya it is Act South as there is huge opportunity and at the same time we ensure there are mechanisms in place for safeguarding our people and our state,” he said.

The chief minister also informed that the government also proposed there should be a road linkage straight from Kolkata to Guwahati which will reduce the 1000 km down to 700 km adding this will be a huge economic benefit for the region.

According to him, issue related to need of having more border haats along the international border was also raised during the meeting.

By Our Reporter