In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma yesterday, seven prominent social organisations, including the influential Khasi Student's Union, demanded the Meghalaya government to come up with an anti-influx mechanism in the form of ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 which will restrict the entry of 'outsiders' in the state.
"The problem of influx has been plaguing the state for the last 30 years and the menace has grown up by leaps and bounds due to lack of sincerity and political will," KSU president Daniel Khyriem said. "The government has failed to act on this burning issue (influx).
It is clear that unless something tangible is put into place, Meghalaya might go the Tripura way (where the indigenous identity is now completely lost due to mass influx of illegal immigrants) in the not too distant future."
The NGOs pointed out that the threat posed by influx has reached alarming levels in some parts of the state like East Jaintia Hills, International border belt of Garo Hills and in the inter-state border areas of Ri-Bhoi district.
Pointing out that the present government had in September 2011 announced implementation of Work Permit system in the state, the NGOs said it is sad that the process of actual implementation has not yet taken place.