SHILLONG, April 23: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Wednesday claimed that Meghalaya has no official estimate of illegal immigrants and called for a “foolproof mechanism” to identify and deport undocumented individuals.
VPP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit made the remarks following a rally, alleging that the state government has not released any data on the number of undocumented migrants. He said there was no proper record or estimate available, in contrast to figures periodically cited by the government in Assam.
Referring to data presented by Assam authorities, Basaiawmoit claimed that illegal immigration has shown a steady rise in the neighbouring state, while Meghalaya has not undertaken a comparable assessment.
He asserted that undocumented migrants must be excluded from official records and called for a structured exercise to detect and deport them. He also cautioned that enforcement measures in Assam could have spillover effects in Meghalaya.
Indicating a shift in strategy, the VPP leader said the party would not formally submit its demands to the government and would instead communicate through public platforms. He added that the party plans to hold meetings across districts and would organise a march to the state secretariat at an appropriate time.
The rally also highlighted concerns over the functioning of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission, District Selection Committees, pending demands of teachers, and unresolved border issues. The party alleged that the government has failed to address the aspirations of the Khasi-Jaintia community.
