Raphael Warjri

Amid reports of incursions by Bangladeshi miscreants in Khonjoy, South West Khasi Hills, the Meghalaya government has dispatched a three-member delegation to assess the situation and gather inputs from local residents unsettled by the recent incidents.

The delegation was constituted on the directive of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong. It included Marthon J. Sangma, MLA from Mendipathar and Adviser to the government (Border Areas), Himalaya M. Shangpliang, Adviser on Education, and Kitborlang Nongrem, Vice Chairman.

The visit followed petitions from residents of Khonjoy and Maheskhola highlighting their anxiety over alleged cross-border harassment. During their tour, the team held meetings with villagers from Khonjoy B, Rangdongai and Maheskhola to document ground realities and assess security challenges. Local leaders also submitted a memorandum through the delegation urging immediate government intervention. The delegation announced that a comprehensive report on their findings would be submitted to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, recommending measures to bolster border security and address the grievances of the local population

Briefing the press after the visit, Marthon J. Sangma said the team gathered accounts from villagers who spoke of recent intrusions and the difficulties faced by border settlers. Residents reported that although fencing exists along the international boundary, sections have collapsed due to heavy rains, leaving stretches vulnerable as they are far from Border Outposts. He added that reinforced patrolling by police and BSF had eased some of the immediate fears among the people.

Himalaya M. Shangpliang noted that residents of Maheskhola specifically flagged concerns over Bangladeshi nationals entering through damaged portions of the border fence. Villagers stressed that the situation posed particular risks to women and families, and demanded urgent repairs. Shangpliang said the team also met the Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills, B. Jyrwa, who informed them that additional forces were being requisitioned to intensify security in the area.