Shillong, Jan 21: West Jaintia Hills police apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals along with two Indian touts during a coordinated pre-dawn operation near the India-Bangladesh border on January 20, officials said. The action was carried out amid heightened vigilance against illegal cross-border movement in the district.
The operation began around 3 am and involved the West Jaintia Hills Police Special Team working in close coordination with the headman and Village Defence Party of Demthring village. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the team intercepted vehicles suspected of transporting undocumented foreign nationals from Jowai towards Dawki.
During the initial phase of the operation, police intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D/7339 near the Sanmala Guest House in Amlarem after a pursuit from Lad Demthring. Four Bangladeshi nationals were found inside the vehicle, which was being driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki. Simultaneously, two Indian nationals identified as Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut were detained at Lad Demthring along with their vehicle, ML-04D/4739.
Further questioning revealed that more vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were en route from Jowai to Dawki. Police immediately set up naka checking points in the Amlarem market area, leading to the interception of three additional vehicles around 3.45 am. These vehicles — ML-05AD/6424 driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain village, ML-04D/4993 driven by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang village, and ML-04E/0640 driven by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang village — were found to be transporting 14 Bangladeshi nationals.
In total, the operation led to the seizure of five vehicles and the detention of 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts and five drivers. All those apprehended have been taken into custody for further legal action. Police have registered a case and said proceedings are being initiated under the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
The Superintendent of Police of West Jaintia Hills district reiterated the force’s resolve to protect the international border and curb illegal movement. Police have also urged headmen and Village Defence Parties across the district to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies to prevent unlawful border crossings and ensure community safety.
