Meghalaya Steps Up Border Vigil: VDPs Activated as Governor Flags Sharpened Security Push

Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Monday said the State Government has directed Deputy Commissioners to activate Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to bolster security along the international borders, signalling a sharper focus on grassroots vigilance as Meghalaya strengthens its border management amid evolving security challenges. He said the move is part of a broader security framework aimed at ensuring stability along sensitive frontiers through close coordination between the civil administration and security agencies.
The Governor unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute at the state-level Republic Day celebrations at Polo Grounds, Shillong, as Meghalaya joined the rest of the country in commemorating the spirit of the Constitution and democratic values.
Addressing the gathering, Vijayashankar said the administration remains on high alert along the international frontier, with constant monitoring being carried out in close coordination with the Border Security Force. “We are also committed to securing the Indo-Bangladesh border and are monitoring the situation in close coordination with the BSF. We have also directed Deputy Commissioners to activate the Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to improve security around the international borders,” he said.
Reviewing the overall law and order situation, the Governor said the State witnessed a largely peaceful year. “During the last year, the overall law and order situation in the State was peaceful,” he noted, adding that “various festivals of the State, including national day celebrations, were conducted peacefully.”
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to maintain harmony along inter-state boundaries, he said, “We remain committed to fostering peace and security along the Assam–Meghalaya border.”
Referring to recent tensions in West Jaintia Hills district, the Governor highlighted the importance of timely administrative intervention. “Timely intervention by the Government in Lapangap village, West Jaintia Hills district, prevented the situation from any further escalation, due to which our farmers were able to complete the harvest of their crops,” he said.