Shillong, March 13 A pro-ILP organization in Meghalaya has launched an operation to detect and remove undocumented migrant workers from construction sites, removing approximately 15 laborers allegedly working without valid documents at the NEHU campus here.
Members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Mawlai Circle, carried out the operation, which they termed the 'Sier Lapalang Operation (SLO)', aimed at identifying outsiders working without mandatory documents such as labor cards.
HYC Mawlai circle organizing 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 operation, approximately 15 non-tribal laborers allegedly working without valid documents were asked to leave the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU campus area), the organization said.
The HYC leader also urged contractors and builders operating in the area to prioritize 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 laborers from outside the state as they are willing to work for lower wages.
"They say outside laborers are cheaper and that is why they are brought in. But this deprives local people of job opportunities," he said.
The organization also warned contractors at construction sites in Mawlai to respect the community's appeal while hiring laborers.
"If you want your work to proceed smoothly, kindly respect the request of the organization 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.