Conrad Sangma: 230 outsiders detected and pushed back since August 31

SHILLONG: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday informed the assembly that 223 outsiders were detected and sent back to their places of origin after they failed to produce valid documents.
The CM said this while taking part in a discussion initiated by opposition Congress's M Syiem on the possible fallout of publication of the final NRC in neighbouring Assam. "They were advised to bring valid documents as and when they visit the state," he added.
The CM further said, "There were strong concerns that the neighbouring states, especially Meghalaya, would have to bear the brunt following the release of the final NRC on August 31." He added that after the publication of the draft NRC on July 30, 2018, then deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) was appointed as the nodal officer for dealing with matters relating to the impact and likely fallout of the ongoing updation of NRC in Assam and infiltration arising thereafter into Meghalaya districts.
"The nodal officer has been monitoring the situation closely on a daily basis and will collate data in terms of existing check gate of infiltration, new check gate formed in the district, location of new check gate and number of persons being pushed back along with the details on a daily basis," he added.
He said after declaration of the NRC in Assam, the Meghalaya government has alerted all field units to maintain strict vigil round the clock. "Instructions were issued to conduct checkings comprehensively and not to allow anyone coming from Assam without sufficient proof of documents. The check posts/check gates at the key entry points bordering Assam have been provided adequate manpower," added Conrad.
The CM said all SPs have been directed to liaise with the local headman and to activate VDPs in all villages to provide information of any attempt of infiltration of illegal immigrants. "Infiltration Special Squads present in all districts have been directed to conduct enumeration of villages and submit a report every month as a precautionary step in detecting infiltrators. All SPs have been directed to provide the contact number of a responsible officer posted in the district who shall liaise with the NGOs in sharing information in cases of infiltration of outsiders," he added.
The CM said, "All SPs have been directed to depute one gazetted officer from each district to monitor and supervise the daily activities of the above check points. Each district has a Special Police Squad of Infiltration Branch to regularly conduct anti-infiltration drives in the districts in collaboration with the DMs, labour department and police."