Meghalaya govt directs all district admins to crackdown on illegal Bangladeshis, Rohingyas

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2025

The state government has directed all district administrations to crackdown and arrest illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in the state.

The direction came a day after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had instructed all state governments and union territories to constitute Special Task Forces (STFs) in every district to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants within the next 30 days.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, deputy chief minister in-charge home Prestone Tynsong said, “Yes, we are on the job. We have already given direction to all district administrations and deputy commissioners to crack down wherever they suspect or receive inputs (about illegal immigrants), they should be arrested immediately.”

Tynsong informed that the district task forces (DTFs) tasked with the job to keep a check on people coming to the state and residing in different districts – are already in place and operational as mandated by the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016.

“As far as illegal foreigners are concerned, we have already directed all DCs to crackdown and put this on priority basis. The (Foreigners’) Act is being followed strictly,” he stated.