Shillong, September 1: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has urged the Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Meghalaya Frontier, to seek increased recruitment opportunities for the youth of Meghalaya while calling for stronger measures to prevent unauthorised entry of Bangladeshi nationals through the Meghalaya-Bangladesh international border.
In a memorandum submitted to BSF Meghalaya Frontier Inspector General O.P. Upadhyay, HITO said it appreciated the recruitment opportunities provided to Meghalaya youth by the BSF and the Ministry of Home Affairs, particularly during 2025.
HITO urged the BSF authorities to take up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs for additional vacancies and recruitment opportunities for eligible youth from Meghalaya. It also requested consideration of special recruitment drives, adequate vacancies and greater awareness of BSF recruitment opportunities, particularly among young people living in areas close to the international border.
The organisation said employment in the BSF would not only provide livelihood opportunities but also allow Meghalaya’s youth to contribute directly to the security, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
On border security, HITO expressed concern over what it described as the continued movement and entry of Bangladeshi nationals through vulnerable stretches of the international border.
The organisation stated that it had, on previous occasions, assisted local authorities by identifying and handing over suspected Bangladeshi nationals to the police for verification and necessary legal action.
According to HITO, on April 3, 2025, four Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended or identified and handed over to Sadar Police Station in Shillong. It further stated that on August 27, 2026, three Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended or identified and handed over to Mawryngkneng Police Station for verification and legal action.
HITO said the incidents highlighted the need for continued vigilance and closer coordination among the BSF, Meghalaya Police, local administration and other concerned authorities.
The organisation called for strengthened surveillance and patrolling along vulnerable stretches of the international border, intensified efforts to prevent unauthorised entry, improved coordination between the BSF and Meghalaya Police, and appropriate measures based on intelligence and local inputs.
It also suggested involving responsible local communities in lawful awareness and information-sharing mechanisms related to border security.
HITO said employment generation and border security could complement each other, arguing that greater opportunities for Meghalaya youth to join the BSF could help create a pool of economically empowered and disciplined young people committed to serving the nation.
The organisation appealed to the BSF Meghalaya Frontier to take up its demand for increased recruitment with the Ministry of Home Affairs and simultaneously give urgent attention to preventing unauthorised cross-border entry through the Meghalaya sector.
