Shillong: A total of 194 Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered Meghalaya since 2021 have been deported after completing their sentences, deputy chief minister in charge of home (police) Prestone Tynsong informed the Assembly on Tuesday. He added that 658 Bangladeshi nationals had been detected and prosecuted in the state during the same period.Replying to a call-attention notice moved by Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from Mawryngkneng, Heaving Stone Kharpran, Tynsong said the govt has established a “comprehensive and multi-layered anti-infiltration mechanism” to tackle illegal migration.
He said 18 anti-infiltration check posts, gates, and a land customs station are operational along strategic points on the inter-state boundary with Assam and the India-Bangladesh border.“These are supplemented by Anti-Infiltration Special Squads functioning in all districts, which regularly conduct drives, surprise naka checks, and patrolling in vulnerable areas, in close coordination with the labour department, Village Defence Parties, and local authorities,” Tynsong said.The govt has also constituted 11 district task forces to detect and deport illegal foreign nationals.“These sustained measures have resulted in significant detections and enforcement outcomes,” he said. “From 2021 till Feb 3, 2026, a total of 658 Bangladeshi nationals were detected in the state and prosecuted under relevant legal provisions. During the same period, 194 were deported after completion of their sentences and upon obtaining the requisite travel permit from the Bangladesh Embassy.”A state-level committee has been created to monitor the identification and deportation of overstaying foreigners, the deputy CM added.The Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, 2016, has also been operationalised in parts of East Khasi Hills, while provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and ministry of home affairs guidelines are being enforced.“The government appeals to all organizations and citizens to cooperate with the authorities and allow verification to be carried out through lawful means,” Tynsong said.He emphasised the need to protect genuine Indian citizens while ensuring illegal infiltration is dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.
