SHILLONG, 8 Aug: A BJP leader in Meghalaya has asked the state government to set up a camp to rehabilitate Garo, Khasi and other tribals living in Bangladesh who are victims of the political unrest.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, BJP vice-president Bernard N Marak on Thursday requested setting up of a humanitarian camp to support these refugees if they are allowed to enter India.
Marak stressed that these tribal groups should be provided with temporary shelter and support while ensuring that they are deported back to Bangladesh once the situation there improves.
Marak, who is also a member of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, pointed out that the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh has led to significant loss of lives and heightened risks for those trying to crossing the border.
He proposed utilising the mahari system in Garo Hills, which has a strong clan-based network, to aid in the identification, rehabilitation, and eventual deportation of the refugees.
This system, he explained, could help in effectively managing the temporary rehabilitation of the displaced persons. (PTI)