SHILLONG, OCT 27: Members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday expressed opposition against the state government’s move to set up the entry-point at Umling in Ri Bhoi district.
Supporting the resolution urging the government to implement the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) at the earliest, Jirang MDC, Victor Ranee said there will be many loopholes if the entry point is shifted from Byrnihat to Umling.
According to him, this is because before reaching Umling, there are many junctions at Lumnongrim and 20th Mile, which can be used as an excuse to avoid the entry point.
“In view of this, I feel that if the entry point is located near Byrnihat, it will to a great extent help a lot (in checking influx into the state),” Victor said.
Echoing similar concerns, Nongpoh MDC, Balajied Ranee said if the entry point is shifted to Umling, it will not protect the state from influx.
“Therefore, along with this resolution, we also urge the EC to suggest the state government to put these entry-exit points at locations which can really prevent illegal entry of people from outside the state,” he said.
Senior member, Bindo M Lanong reminded the House that it was during Mukul Sangma’s tenure as chief minister in 2012 when the state government proposed to implement the Inner Line Permit in the state.
“After all the NGOs have unanimously agreed with this decision, the government instead came up with the MRSSA. However, till today there is strong demand for implementation of the ILP,” he said.
Lanong, also a former deputy chief minister said the facilitation centre will help proper implementation of the MRSSA. “I hope that the facilitation centre will not only facilitate the entry of people from outside as many felt that MRSSA alone is not enough and that the state still needs ILP to address the concern,” he added.
Congress MDC from Mylliem, Ronnie V Lyngdoh said the MRSSA will not only protect the state from influx of outsiders but from anti-social elements as well while citing that the inflow of drugs into the state is a matter of grave concern.
“I hope the implementation of the MRSSA will also address the issue of drug menace in the state,” he said.
In his reply, KHADC chief executive member Titosstarwell Chyne assured that the executive committee will include in its resolution to also urge the state government to ensure that the setting up of the entry-exit points should be at the border.
By Our Reporter
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