Shillong, June 11 (IANS) Newly elected Rajya Sabha member from Meghalaya, James P.K. Sangma, on Thursday stressed the need for stringent measures to curb illegal infiltration, asserting that safeguarding India’s territorial integrity must remain a top national priority.

Reacting to concerns over alleged infiltration attempts along the India-Bangladesh border, Sangma said such incidents warrant constant vigilance and a firm response from the authorities responsible for border security.

Speaking to reporters in Shillong, the National People’s Party (NPP) leader referred to the reported tension between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the Nandirchar area of Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district following an incident involving an alleged Bangladeshi national.

“Illegal infiltration is a matter of serious concern. The protection of our territorial integrity should always remain paramount under all circumstances,” Sangma said.

He noted that the agencies tasked with securing the international border are already monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures to address emerging challenges.

The Rajya Sabha MP-elect said he fully supports the initiatives and actions being undertaken by the Government of India on matters relating to national security and border management.

“As a Member of Parliament, I stand ready to shoulder any responsibility entrusted to me in safeguarding the interests of the nation,” he said.

Reiterating the importance of robust border protection mechanisms, Sangma said securing the country’s boundaries is a collective responsibility and essential for maintaining national security.

The remarks came hours after Sangma was formally declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Meghalaya.

The election was scheduled for June 18, but no other candidate filed nomination papers for the lone seat. Returning Officer and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Malthus Sangma declared him elected on the final day for withdrawal of nominations.

A senior NPP leader and former state minister, James Sangma was the official candidate of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

With his unopposed victory, Sangma will represent Meghalaya in the Rajya Sabha for the next six years, succeeding outgoing member Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi.

–IANS

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