Security has been beefed up along National Highways 40 and 44 in Meghalaya connecting Guwahati to Barak Valley, Mizoram and Tripura in view of the pro-ILP groups' three-night road blockade in the state beginning this evening.
At least 13 pressure groups led by the influential students union of the dominant tribes- Khasis, Jaintias and the Garos- have called for three-night road blockade seeking introduction of the inner line permit (ILP) system to curb influx of illegal immigrants into the state.
"We have deployed adequate security personnel to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the National Highways," Director General of Police PJP Hanaman told PTI.
The DGP said the police will do their best to ensure that the roads are by and large safe and free from any disturbance.
Asked if any escort would be provided to buses plying at night, the police chief said if the tour operators collectively approach the police some arrangement could be made for their safety.
The state government has also directed the district administration to ensure that these highways remained safe for users, an official said.
Transportation of essential commodities for the whole of Barak Valley in Assam, Mizoram and Tripura depend on NH 40 and 44 passing through Meghalaya and hence they are considered the lifeline of the people there, he said.
The Assam government has officially sought cooperation from the Meghalaya government to ensure that users of the NH 40 and 44 do not suffer due to the unrest.
The demand for the implementation of the ILP has been turned down by Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who has said the ILP was an outdated and redundant law and it would only hinder development.
The government will launch a public consultation process on November 1 on the proposed Tenancy Act as a mean to contain illegal settlement of immigrants in the state.
