Shillong, Mar 13 (PTI) A pro-ILP organisation in Meghalaya has launched an operation to detect and drive away undocumented migrant workers from construction sites, removing around 15 labourers allegedly working without valid documents at the NEHU campus here.
Members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Mawlai Circle, carried out the drive under what they termed the ‘Sier Lapalang Operation (SLO)’ aimed at identifying outsiders working without mandatory documents such as labour cards.
HYC Mawlai circle organising secretary S Marwein said the operation marked the beginning of a wider campaign this year to check undocumented migrant workers in the area.
“This is the beginning of the Sier Lapalang Operation for this year. We will intensify the drive to check outsiders who are working without proper documents within the Mawlai area,” Marwein said.
During the drive, around 15 non-tribal labourers allegedly working without valid documents were asked to leave the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU campus area, the organisation said.
The HYC leader also urged contractors and builders operating in the area to prioritise hiring local Khasi workers.
“If contractors engage workers, they should first consider employing Khasi workers. Many of our youths are currently without jobs,” Marwein said.
He alleged that some contractors prefer bringing labourers from outside the state as they are willing to work for lower wages.
“They say outside labourers are cheaper and that is why they are brought in. But this deprives local people of job opportunities,” he said.
The organisation also warned contractors at construction sites in Mawlai to respect the community’s appeal while hiring labourers.
“If you want your work to proceed smoothly, kindly respect the request of the organisation to employ Khasi workers,” the statement said.
Concerns over undocumented migrants and the employment of outsiders have remained a contentious issue in Meghalaya, with several local groups demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to regulate the entry and stay of non-residents in the state. PTI JOP MNB
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