Dy CM inaugurates entry point at Umling

The facilitation centre – which is mandated as per the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) – also has a dedicated counter for screening people coming into the state to prevent the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The centre has been set up at a land belonging to the transport department at a cost of Rs 2.75 crore.

Also present on the occasion were C&RD minister Hamletson Dohling, Agriculture minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, Umroi legislator George B Lyngdoh, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, Umsning MLA Jason Mawlong, government officials and others.

This also came in the wake of the growing demand from the different anti-influx pressure groups for the immediate implementation of the MRSSA following the Centre’s delay to approve the resolution passed by the state Assembly for implementation of ILP in the state.

Earlier, the pressure groups have threatened to open the entry point and make it functional on their own if the state government fails to inaugurate it today.

Addressing media persons, Tynsong termed the inauguration of the Umling entry point as a mark of fulfilling the long-cherish aspiration of the indigenous people of the state.

“It is indeed a happy moment that the government has been able to complete the setting up of the entry point as promised,” he said.

Allaying the misconception about the intention of the government, Tynsong said, “People coming to the state should not have any fear while entering the state as the system being put in place is very simple and all they need to do is to register with the government.”

“We want to ensure safety and security not only to our citizens but our visitors as well,” he said while maintaining that those coming for one-day official works need not register but they have only produce certificates certifying that they are COVID free.

According to him, the registration process will be both offline and online which for online registration a dedicated app has been put in place by the tourism department.

Stating that the system adopted by the state is unique in the country, Tynsong said it can be replicated by other states.

It may be mentioned here that the Umling entry point is one among the 18 entry-exit points proposed to be set up in the different districts of the state under the first phase of implementing the MRSSA.

Asked, Tynsong informed that the government has finalized the land acquisition process for the setting up of the entry-exit points at Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills district and Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills district.

The land at Ratacherra belongs to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) while the land in Bajengdoba belongs to the Sericulture department of the government.

“The lands have been handed over to the tourism department for starting the process of land development and construction of the prefab structures at these two locations,” he said.

According to him, the government has decided to prioritize important locations and ensure entry-exit points are immediately set up at the earliest.

The deputy chief minister further informed that the entry-exit point in Mendipathar railway station is under construction and would soon be completed.

He said in the meantime, the government has also made functional the facilitation centre at the Umroi airport.

On the other hand, Tynsong also informed that the infiltration check-gate at Byrnihat will also be shifted to Umling very soon.

Meanwhile, the pressure groups including KSU, RBYF, FKJGP and HNYF have lauded the state government’s effort to set up the entry-exit points and urged the need to aggressively pursue with the Centre for immediate implementation of the ILP in the state.

By Our Reporter