Shillong, Aug 7: With the central government still keeping Meghalaya waiting on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and after the High Court of Meghalaya struck down a key aspect of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), the state government will now try to introduce a new law to curb the illegal entry of outsiders into Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters today after a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said his government is preparing a strong mechanism to monitor the situation, taking into account issues related to the peace and order situation and the situation in Assam and Bangladesh.
“Regarding the issue of monitoring the entry and exit of people into the state, it is a matter of concern seeing the situation in Assam and neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Therefore, when you look at the law and order situation, it is important for us to introduce a strong mechanism,” Sangma told reporters.
Through the MRSSA the state government was to set up checkgates at entry points into Meghalaya to check the antecedents of those entering the state. However, in December 2021 the High Court ruled that regulating the entry or movement of Indian citizens within the state could not be exercised without laid-down parameters.
“We have faced some difficulties regarding the MRSSA. So, based on discussions with the Law Department and other officers of the government and after meeting with central ministers and officers, we have tried to do something,” Sangma said.
He added that it is too early to provide more details but the government will call for talks with various groups before making details public.
Sangma informed that he recently briefed the Union Home Minister on the situation on the border areas of Assam and Meghalaya and also on the India-Bangladesh border, stressing the importance of having security measures from within.
“I have informed the Home Minister about the situation on the border of Assam and Meghalaya and also about the situation on the border of India and Bangladesh. From the point of view of law and order, of course he has all the information that comes to him from the intelligence agencies but as the Chief Minister of the state, it is my duty to inform him of what is happening and the security measures taken in the state,” he said.
