Meghalaya to enforce laws to tackle influx: CM

Meghalaya government today said that it has been working out on the need to enforce the Foreigners' Act and Tenancy Law in view of the need to tackle the problem of influx and illegal immigration in the state.
"We have directed Law and Labour departments to examine on the need of having state laws in place to cover those areas which are not covered by the existing laws," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters after a high level meeting held here.
The chief minister said that the need to implement the Foreigners Act in view of the state having a total stretch of 465.387 km international border with Bangladesh where instances of illegal immigration takes place.

The issue concerning influx have been raised on several occasions by both members of the House in the state Assembly and NGOs of the state.
Stating that the department has been asked to start the process of drafting the Tenancy Law, he said, "Chief Secretary has been directed to hold a meeting on the matter."
According to him, Tenancy Law will further ensure the law agency to keep check on people with doubtful credential that are entering the state by roping in the involvement of house-owners who are engaging in giving rented their house.
"It is important to verify the credential of people from outside and purpose of stay through the tenancy law which all house owners have to comply," Sangma added.