Cabinet Minister and MDA-2 Government Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh emphasized the protective measures in place for Meghalaya against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) due to the state’s coverage under the 6th Schedule.
Speaking to the media, Lyngdoh highlighted that this powerful constitutional provision ensures that the areas within Meghalaya remain protected from the implications of the CAA, thereby preventing any illegal settlement of Bangladeshi refugees in the state.
“We are happy that we got full support of the centre on the matter and till date there have been no major skirmishes or act of violence in the international border which we share with Bangladesh. We are fortunate that we have a very powerful instrument called the 6th schedule, now the very fact that the entire state of Meghalaya, all the schedule do not fall under the CAA that itself is a protective mechanism,” the Minister said.
Lyngdoh also noted that there have been no major skirmishes or acts of violence along the international border with Bangladesh in the Meghalaya sector, attributing this to the strong support from the central government.
He explained that the state’s proactive approach, including the revival of Village Defence Parties, plays a crucial role in maintaining order and preventing illegal settlements. These local defense groups work closely with the Dorbashnong (village councils) and the police to address any challenges that arise in the villages.
“Whoever tries even using force to settle in any of the villages our Dorbashnong are present everywhere and also we have already gone ahead with the idea of riving the village Defence Parties throughout the state, these will effectively combat any major challenges in the respective villages and also seek the support of the police whenever required,” Lyngdoh said.
The minister further informed that the state government is taking the unrest in Bangladesh seriously. In response, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) have met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to seek additional support from the central government. Additionally, the Meghalaya CM has also engaged with his Assam counterpart in this regard.