Nongpoh, Sep 9: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) along with Ri-Bhoi district authorities today inspected the Umling facilitation centre following a meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, with the pressure group reiterating its concerns over the centre’s existing infrastructure and layout.
The facilitation centre at Umling is among the key demands raised by the KSU before the Meghalaya government for strengthening the screening and monitoring of people entering and leaving the state. The union has maintained that the facility should primarily serve as a proper checking point for people and vehicles entering Meghalaya, particularly to strengthen efforts to curb illegal activities, including the trafficking and distribution of drugs.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, KSU district president Ferdinald Kharkamni expressed dissatisfaction with the way the facility has been planned and developed. He pointed out that the space earmarked for government departments is extremely limited, while a considerably larger area has been allocated for food outlets.
The centre was inaugurated in 2020 with the objective of strengthening the screening mechanism and regulating the movement of people entering and exiting the state. Kharkamni said the centre was also envisioned as an important measure to help prevent illegal activities but the present arrangement does not adequately serve its intended purpose.
He stated that approximately 1,000 square feet has been earmarked for two government offices and a waiting area, while around 11,500 square feet has reportedly been allocated by the Tourism Department for 11 food outlets.
He said the KSU would discuss the matter further and consider taking up the issue with the state government. The union, he added, would seek additional space and a more practical redesign of the facility so that the facilitation centre can function effectively in the long term.
