SHILLONG: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Home (Police) Minister Prestone Tynsong today informed the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that 658 Bangladeshi nationals have been detected entering the state illegally between 2021 and February 3, 2026.
The statement was made in response to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran, focusing on illegal infiltration and a recent controversial detention incident.
Clarifying the December 15, 2025 incident at Thangshalai Bypass, the Minister stated that police responded to a tip-off from the Hynniewtrep Youth Development Council (HYDC) regarding suspected illegal migrants travelling in a tourist vehicle.
Upon verification, authorities found that the seven individuals detained were residents of Dhubri district, Assam, and were legitimate Indian citizens travelling to Sookilo in East Jaintia Hills for construction work.
However, the situation escalated when the driver and some labourers were allegedly assaulted during the detention. They later received treatment at Mawryngkneng Community Health Centre.
Following the incident, the Iaityllilang Driver Association filed an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A criminal investigation is currently underway.
Highlighting the government’s border management efforts, Tynsong informed that 658 Bangladeshi nationals detected since 2021 and 194 individuals deported after serving sentences and obtaining travel permits from the Bangladesh Embassy.
The state currently operates 18 Anti-Infiltration Check Posts, gates, and Land Custom Stations along strategic border points and 11 District Task Forces to identify and deport overstaying foreigners.
The Minister also stated that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016 is being operationalised in selected localities of East Khasi Hills to strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
Tynsong cautioned NGOs and pressure groups against taking the law into their own hands.
“I appeal to all organisations to allow authorities to carry out verifications through lawful means. We must ensure that genuine Indian citizens are not harassed or assaulted, even as we remain firm in dealing with illegal infiltration,” the Minister stated.
The government reiterated its commitment to balancing strict border enforcement with the protection of lawful citizens.
