Shillong, August 06: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Umiam Circle, under the leadership of its President Bashem Kharnaior, Asst. Organising Banshan Nongbsap, Education Secretary Battilang Nongbri and accompanied by other Union leaders, carried out an early morning intervention following a tip-off received at around 6:00 AM from a concerned resident of the area.
The resident informed the Union about the presence of an individual who identified himself as police personnel, reportedly possessing an official identity card bearing the name Brill Rongpeit, which claimed to be issued by the Office of the Commandant, 1st Battalion, Meghalaya Police, Mawiong, Shillong.
During the course of the intervention, the Union discovered that the said individual had allegedly collected a sum of ₹1,000 each from five non-tribal individuals travelling in a vehicle with registration number AS 25 CC 4375, supposedly as an entry fee into the state.
When questioned further by the Union about the legitimacy of such a transaction and asked to produce supporting documentation, both the individual claiming to be a police officer and the five non- tribal individuals fled the scene, evading all further inquiry.
The sudden disappearance of the self-proclaimed police personnel along with the five non-tribal individuals has only deepened the suspicion and concern of the Union.
In response to this, the KSU Umiam Circle immediately sought the support of the KSU Mawlai Circle to assist in identifying and tracking down those involved, as the incident suggests serious lapses in security enforcement and possible collusion facilitating illegal entry into the state.
The Khasi Students’ Union views this incident with grave concern, especially in light of the growing influx of outsiders and the persistent issue of unchecked migration into Meghalaya.
What is particularly alarming is that someone claiming to be from the police department is allegedly involved in collecting money from non-tribals for passage into the state an act that not only raises questions about corruption but also brings into question the integrity and functioning of the law enforcement system itself.
Instead of upholding their responsibility to regulate and monitor movement across the state’s borders, it now appears that certain individuals either posing as police or possibly from within the department are facilitating such movement in a completely unauthorized and illegal manner.
This act of fleeing the scene, rather than cooperating with the public or student leaders, only further affirms the dubious nature of the incident and suggests an intent to conceal illegal activity.
The Union therefore demands a clear and immediate clarification from the Meghalaya Police Department regarding the true identity and status of the individual named Brill Rongpeit.
It is essential that the authorities confirm whether this individual is genuine police personnel who has grossly misused his authority and uniform, or an impersonator attempting to exploit the identity of the police force for personal gain.
The KSU asserts that such incidents seriously undermine public trust in the police department, especially when no clarity or accountability is provided in the aftermath. If such impersonations are possible, it also raises broader questions about the security of official identification systems and the lack of stringent mechanisms to prevent misuse.
The Union reiterates its unwavering commitment to protect the identity, safety, and rights of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. It will continue to expose and resist all forms of illegal entry and activities that threaten the social fabric of the state.
The KSU also calls upon the state government and the police department to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, hold the persons involved accountable, and ensure that mechanisms are put in place to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The concern also arises following the eviction drive carried out by the Assam Government against Bangladeshi nationals in the state, which has raised fears within the Union that these individuals may attempt to settle in Meghalaya, thereby creating a potential threat of increased influx into the state.
The Khasi Students’ Union, Umiam Circle, remains alert and vigilant, and urges the public to remain equally cautious and to report any suspicious activities that may undermine the dignity and security of the indigenous population.
