Nongpoh, Aug 8: Amid growing concerns over the ongoing eviction of illegal settlers and immigrants by the Assam government, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), North Khasi Hills District, along with its Byrnihat Circle unit, conducted surprise inspections in various parts of Byrnihat on Friday.
The move was prompted by fears that those evicted from Assam might seek refuge in villages along the Meghalaya–Assam border.
The inspections primarily targeted factories operating along the border areas of Ri-Bhoi District.
According to the FKJGP, hundreds of illegal immigrants and labourers were found working in these establishments without the necessary legal documents, such as labour licenses and police verification. The federation reported that these individuals were immediately sent back to their places of origin.
The surprise operation was led by FKJGP Byrnihat Circle president Kitborlang Suting, accompanied by general secretary Noah Khongstit, Vice president Debos Chyne and FKJGP North Khasi Hills District General Secretary Ricky Majaw, along with other members.
During the checks, the federation also discovered cases of underage workers below the legal working age of 18 employed in some factories. FKJGP leaders expressed deep concern over this violation of the Child Rights Act and relevant state laws.
Speaking to the media, Suting and Khongstit said the federation acted after receiving information that certain factories were sheltering and employing illegal immigrants without the mandatory labour license or police clearance.
“After detecting hundreds of such workers, we sent them away with strict warnings not to enter the state for work without proper documentation,” the leaders stated.
The FKJGP also criticised the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the state Labour Department for failing to conduct regular checks, alleging that this negligence allows illegal labourers to remain in the state without proper verification.
The federation further warned that it would continue carrying out such inspections to prevent illegal settlers from taking shelter in Meghalaya’s industrial units. They also cautioned companies, factories, and industries against hiring undocumented immigrants, warning that any violation of state laws would invite stern action.
, North Khasi Hills District, along with its Byrnihat Circle unit, conducted surprise inspections in various parts of Byrnihat on Friday.){kind=link}