Shillong: The Shillong Cantonment Board in Meghalaya has launched a concerted effort to identify and address illegal immigration in areas under its jurisdiction.

A joint inspection, slated to take place in the coming days, aims to pinpoint holdings sheltering illegal immigrants.

According to CEO Ayush Maurya, the Board has received reports of illegal immigration, drug abuse and other unlawful activities. "We're planning a joint inspection with stakeholders, including the state government, as soon as possible," Maurya stated, adding that the inspection is expected to occur within this week or early next week.

The initiative seeks to identify hotspots harboring illegal immigrants. Post-inspection, authorities will determine the necessary course of action, which may include installing CCTV cameras or conducting further physical inspections.

Currently, the Board maintains records of lessee holders, but tenant records are pending updates.

Maurya stated that only lessee holders, registered tenants and licensed traders are permitted to reside in the cantonment area.

Pressure groups had previously petitioned the Board, demanding the eviction of illegal settlers from a plot of land opposite the Bara Bazaar Fire and Emergency Service Station at Lum Survey.