SHILLONG — The Meghalaya government has abandoned its earlier plan to use the MBoSE Hostel at Laitumkhrah as a temporary detention centre, and has instead notified the Officers’ Quarters as a permanent detention and holding facility for foreign nationals who have completed their prison sentences.
The government informed the Meghalaya High Court that around 25 foreign nationals currently lodged in Shillong Jail will be shifted to the newly notified facility, with the transfer to be completed by September 29.
Senior government advocate A.S. Dey told the court that the Officers’ Quarters was considered suitable for the purpose. The government has also formally brought on record the withdrawal of the earlier notification concerning the MBoSE Hostel.
Six Bangladeshi nationals currently lodged in Tura Jail will remain there instead of being shifted to Shillong. Five have already received travel permits and are undergoing deportation, while deportation papers for another are being processed. The court allowed all six to remain in Tura Jail and directed the authorities to move ahead with their deportation.
The court also took up the question of compensation for foreign nationals kept in custody beyond their completed sentences. The government is to inform the court at the next hearing how such compensation can be paid.
The Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority has been asked to inspect the new holding centre on October 5 and submit a report on the facilities available.
The matter has been listed for October 8, with the court directing authorities to ensure the transferred detainees are provided all necessary facilities.
