By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 21: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) emphasized the importance of monitoring and documenting refugees from Manipur entering Meghalaya, during a meeting with officials from the East Khasi Hills district. After meeting with Additional Deputy Commissioner Ronnie Wahlang, HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem highlighted the necessity of involving local Dorbar Shnongs and police in tracking these movements. The ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has persisted for 17 months, has led to an influx of refugees into Meghalaya, requiring accurate documentation to safeguard community welfare.
Synrem stressed that proper records of refugee movements are vital, and once stability returns to Manipur, the refugees should return home. He warned of potential criminal exploitation, pointing out that areas like Shillong might become havens for illegal activities, including drug trafficking. He specifically called attention to zones under the Shillong Cantonment Board jurisdiction, accusing them of being centers for illicit activities and illegal immigration due to the absence of oversight by traditional local institutions.
Synrem cited incidents such as the illegal residence of 80-100 households in Lum Survey and a drug dealer’s arrest in the Cantonment area to illustrate these challenges. Reports have linked these areas to issues of drug peddling and illegal immigration. He also expressed concern over self-styled committees and councils operating under the Cantonment Board, which issue certificates for voter enrollment and other purposes, posing a threat to the local indigenous community’s security.
To tackle these pressing issues, Synrem proposed regulating movement in Cantonment areas, conducting comprehensive surveys of residents, and maintaining accurate records. He also suggested derecognizing unauthorized committees and recommended entrusting administrative authority to local traditional institutions. “Ensuring the safety and security of the indigenous community is paramount,” Synrem concluded, advocating for these measures to enhance governance and accountability.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/11/22/hyc-calls-for-proper-records-of-manipur-refugees-in-state/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2024-11-22 01:35:00
