The President of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Roy Kupar Synrem, has voiced grave concerns over the security of Meghalaya and the broader Northeastern region, warning of escalating threats due to unchecked illegal immigration and shifting geopolitical dynamics involving China and Bangladesh. Reacting to the development, Synrem warned of dire consequences if India fails to take decisive action.
“As far as we are concerned, we are worried about the influx, but now if China comes into the picture, there will be a lot of problems for the Northeastern states, especially for Meghalaya, because at that point, Bangladesh will receive significant help from China. I think the Indian Government should take measures on this, as the security and development of the region is of utmost importance. If the Indian government wants to keep the Northeast as part of India, then certain steps should be taken, keeping in view the statement made by the interim head of the government in Bangladesh,” he stated.
Highlighting the volatile situation in Bangladesh, he pointed out that the strained India-Bangladesh relations could open the door for external interference. “We understand that during this period, when Bangladesh is in turmoil and the relationship between India and Bangladesh is not in a good state, some country might take advantage of this, and China may be one of them. The Indian government should take steps and not allow feelings to grow in the Northeast that we are not a part of India. As it is, we have been demanding protection of our rights and legal regulations, yet it seems the Indian government is not listening to our demands. We don’t want such a situation to arise in Meghalaya and the Northeast.”
Synrem further emphasized the historical context of the Northeast’s association with India, referencing the Instrument of Accession signed in 1948. “If the Indian government does not take steps to ensure that we, as the people of the state and of the Northeast, feel that we are being looked upon favorably by the government of India, then certain things might happen. Some countries taking an interest in the Northeast could threaten the security of the country.”
Addressing the ongoing issue of illegal immigration, he warned that the situation could worsen if China’s influence grows in Bangladesh. “Now, even with Bangladesh itself, we are facing an influx. We don’t know what will happen if China comes into the picture. That’s why I am saying the government of India should create an environment in the Northeastern region where we don’t feel left out. We should feel that we are a part of India. If you want us to be a part of India, then give us protection, stop illegal immigration into Meghalaya, and safeguard our indigenous rights. We fear that if this situation continues and China takes advantage of what is happening in Bangladesh, something drastic might happen in the near future.”
Further, he stated that all related concerns would be addressed collectively by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO). “Let us first wait for the meeting because all these issues will be taken up together by all organizations in CoMSO. In the next meeting, we will discuss, deliberate, and take necessary steps in due course of time.”
His remarks come in response to a controversial statement by Bangladesh’s interim government’s Chief Adviser, Mohammad Yunus, which has ignited a political storm.
Yunus, during his recent visit to China, suggested that Beijing should expand its operations into India’s Northeast to gain access to the sea via Bangladesh.