Shillong, Jan 28: Meghalaya security framework has been reinforced as the state government reactivated Village Defence Parties (VDPs) and initiated a study of the Foreigners Act to strengthen border vigilance and legal oversight. The move aims to enhance monitoring along the international border with Bangladesh and inter-state boundaries.
The reactivated VDPs will assist law enforcement with local surveillance and community support while operating under strict supervision. Officials clarified that these units will not be armed initially and will focus on reporting and preventive measures in border and sensitive areas.
Simultaneously, the state government has referred the Foreigners Act to legal authorities, including the Advocate General, for detailed review. This study will assess possible applications of regulatory measures similar to the Inner Line Permit system to manage movement and protect local interests in Meghalaya.
State officials also confirmed that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA) remains in force but is being examined for updates to include formal entry and exit monitoring at strategic points. Regular patrols by the Border Security Force and Meghalaya Police continue to maintain stability along the state’s borders.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong highlighted that these steps are part of ongoing efforts to maintain order and strengthen the state’s preparedness against potential security challenges. Local administration units have been instructed to coordinate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the new measures.
These initiatives mark a structured approach to reinforce community-level security while aligning legal frameworks to current border and migration concerns.
