Shillong, August 9: Partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance on Thursday suggested the need to further strengthen existing infiltration check gates in order to prevent entry of illegal immigrants into the state especially in the wake of exclusion of over 4o lakhs persons from the draft NRC in Assam.

This decision was taken at the meeting in the secretariat attended by chief minister, ministers, MLAs and leaders of political parties that formed the MDA government.

The meeting discussed issues related to NRC in Assam and the current situation in the neighbouring state.

The NPP is leading the six-party coalition MDA government and its partners include the United Democratic Party, People’s Democratic Front, Hill State People’s Democratic Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Nationalist Congress Party, and Independents.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told reporters that the MDA partners discussed about the NRC fallout and the situation in Assam and then suggested that the state government should strengthen existing infiltration check gates, and also identify areas for setting up of additional check gates.

The meeting also wanted that existing laws should be strengthened and urged the government to revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 and rules where it talks about setting up of entry/exit points to curb influx.

Urban Affairs Minister, Hamletson Dohling said that all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police were instructed to keep extra vigilant in order to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the state.