VPP Highlights Lack of Data on Illegal Immigrants in Meghalaya
Concerns Over Illegal Immigration in Meghalaya
Led by Nongkrem MLA Bah Ardent M Basaiawmoit, the VPP has made significant inroads across several constituencies, challenging traditional powerhouses.
SHILLONG, April 23: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has raised concerns regarding the absence of reliable data on illegal immigrants in Meghalaya, contrasting it with the situation in Assam.
VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit stated, “In Meghalaya, there are no records or estimates regarding illegal immigrants. Conversely, the Assam Government has provided estimates in both Parliament and the State Assembly.”
He made these remarks following a protest rally against the NPP-led MDA Government, criticizing its performance on various issues at Motphran.
Basaiawmoit pointed out that the BJP has highlighted the illegal immigration issue in Assam, noting a significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants over the years. “From 3.3 million in 1993, the number surged to 4 million in 1997, 5 million in 2001, and reached 8 million by 2016. This indicates that the Assam Government has undertaken efforts to identify and address the presence of illegal immigrants,” he explained.
He criticized the Meghalaya Government for failing to take similar actions to identify illegal immigrants within its borders.
“The Meghalaya Government needs to implement a thorough process to identify illegal immigrants, ensuring they are excluded from the upcoming Census. These individuals must be identified and deported,” he asserted.
Expressing his concerns, Basaiawmoit warned that the influx of illegal immigrants in Assam could pose a threat to Meghalaya, as these individuals may attempt to enter the state.
The VPP leader suggested that a Special Intensive Revision could help filter out such individuals, but emphasized the need for the Meghalaya Government to create its own policy to remove illegal immigrants from the voter list.
Additionally, the VPP announced plans to march to the State Secretariat after conducting a series of district-level awareness meetings focused on its ten-point charter of demands. These demands include the introduction of an Inner Line Permit (ILP)-type system, enhanced control over land ownership and transfer, improved transparency and accountability in governance, and measures to combat corruption, alongside addressing the illegal immigration issue.