SHILLONG, Feb 17: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday informed the Assembly that 658 Bangladeshi nationals have been detected and prosecuted for illegal entry into the state since 2021, while 194 have been deported after completing their sentences.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home (Police) portfolio, shared the figures while replying to a call attention notice moved by VPP MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran.
Tynsong said the state has put in place a “comprehensive and multi-layered anti-infiltration mechanism” integrating border infrastructure, district-level enforcement squads, and inter-departmental task forces.
According to the Deputy CM, 18 check posts, entry gates, and one land customs station are currently operational at sensitive locations along the inter-state and Indo-Bangladesh border.
He stated that district-level squads regularly conduct surprise NAKA checks and joint patrols in coordination with officials from the Labour Department, Village Defence Parties, and local bodies. In addition, 11 District Task Forces have been constituted to streamline detection and deportation procedures.
“From 2021 till 03.02.2026, a total of 658 Bangladeshi nationals were detected in the state and prosecuted under relevant legal provisions,” Tynsong said.
“During the same period, 194 Bangladeshi nationals were deported after completion of their sentence and upon obtaining the requisite Travel Permit from the Bangladesh Embassy,” he added.
The government has also constituted a state-level monitoring committee to oversee enforcement efforts. The Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, 2016, is being implemented in selected areas of East Khasi Hills district, while authorities are invoking provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Tynsong appealed to organisations and citizens to cooperate with verification drives, stating that the government’s objective is to protect genuine Indian citizens while taking firm action against illegal infiltration.