Injustice Unveiled: Heartbreaking Exodus of 2,500 Migrant Labourers from Meghalaya – Exposed by Khasi Students’ Union – Northeast News
SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has voiced concerns that over 2,500 migrant workers were expelled from Meghalaya over the past 12 days by advocates of the pro-Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement. These labourers, the union claims, were discovered working in the Khasi Jaintia Hills region without the mandatory registration issued by the State Labour Department.
KSU, a major proponent of the ILP, argues that this regulation is crucial to managing the influx of outsiders into the state. “We found that over 2,500 migrant workers have been found working without valid documents in the past 12 days,” a union representative stated.
The union is urging the state government to enact strict measures against illegal migrants. The Meghalaya government requires all migrant labourers to register with the Labour Department under the Interstate Workmen Act of 1979 and the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Rules of 2020.
However, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently clarified that while registration is mandatory for all migrant workers, no individual or organization is authorized to conduct checks on their documentation. Sangma also emphasized the distinction that the state does not issue work permits to migrant workers but mandates their registration with the Labour Department for safety and data collection purposes.
The situation has heightened tensions around the broader issue of migration and labour rights within Meghalaya, spotlighting the ongoing debate over how best to protect local interests while managing the needs of an essential workforce.
In summary, the Khasi Students’ Union’s allegations and subsequent government clarifications underline the complexities surrounding immigration control and labour regulation in Meghalaya, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to both security and human rights.
Original Story https://nenews.in/meghalaya/2500-migrant-labourers-forced-out-of-meghalaya-khasi-students-union/11919/
Category : Meghalaya,Khasi Students’ Union
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