Meghalaya Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma has called for stronger police preparedness amid reports of former militant groups attempting to regroup, while raising concerns over political interference in police administration, border security and suspected illegal coal activities.
The issues came up during a meeting of the State Security Commission, which reviewed police operations and security challenges across the state.
Sangma stressed the need to improve the police force’s operational capacity and emergency response systems to tackle mob violence, civil disturbances and other security threats. He also pressed for the timely recruitment of personnel to fill vacancies in the police department, maintaining that appointments and transfers must remain free from political or external interference to protect professional standards and administrative integrity.
On concerns over unauthorised influx and illegal immigration, the Opposition leader urged the government to enforce the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, strictly. He also called for closer coordination between Assam and Meghalaya to address security issues and maintain stability along their shared interstate boundary.
Sangma further highlighted the difficulties faced by landowners along the India–Bangladesh border, particularly residents whose access to their properties had been restricted by border fencing. He said the concerns of affected people needed to be addressed alongside measures to strengthen border security.
The Opposition leader also sought a comprehensive investigation into suspected illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya. Referring to alleged inconsistencies in official coal stock records, he raised the possibility of irregularities and alleged that unlawful activities could be receiving high-level patronage.
He called for a thorough inquiry to establish the facts, identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The concerns raised at the commission’s meeting covered police readiness, possible militant regrouping, illegal immigration, border management and suspected coal-related violations. Allegations of militant regrouping and illegal coal operations remain subject to verification by the authorities concerned.
