In the wake of fresh eviction drives in neighbouring Assam triggering renewed concerns over illegal infiltration, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla has asserted that the state’s legal and constitutional framework is strong enough to safeguard its borders. Stressing on the layered protections embedded within the Sixth Schedule and the Land Transfer Act, Shylla offered a strong message of reassurance to the people of Meghalaya, even as he acknowledged the need for continued vigilance.
“When it comes to influx, we are blessed to have Land Transfer Act and Sixth Schedule where if anybody from outside they like to come and stay in our state, the most important thing for them to have is they need proper documents,” he stated. “Especially if it is a non-tribal, it is almost next to impossible to come and capture our land because we are well protected.”
Amid rising concerns following reports of evictees potentially crossing into Meghalaya through porous forested stretches along the East Jaintia Hills–Assam border, the minister reaffirmed that the state already possesses formidable barriers against illegal settlement. “No doubt, we still want some more protection when it comes to ILP or MRSSA—whatever is the protection—we do need it. But as of now, we need not fear as we have all these protections: the Land Transfer Act,” he said, while cautioning, “Still, we have to be alert because unnecessarily if these people enter Meghalaya, later on we have to chase them.”
When asked whether surveillance in East Jaintia Hills needed to be tightened in view of the situation unfolding in Assam, Shylla said the entire state must remain watchful. “Not only in East Jaintia Hills, in fact whole state—from time to time—it is very much needed.”
The minister also praised the ongoing efforts of authorities and frontline personnel, saying, “With cooperation from the public and a united effort, no one can harm us.”
However, he flagged inter-community marriages as a potential blind spot that could be exploited. “The loophole is when someone enters through marriage with our local women. That’s difficult to tackle. But if we all work together and do not give them that chance, that itself is protection,” Shylla remarked.
On reports of suspicious movement in the mining belt, the minister said he had received no such information. He also confirmed that the government was proactively enhancing border vigilance. “The concerned departments are doing their job,” he said, noting that there was no need for any special representations from his side.
