The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has expressed deep concern over the approach of the state government in addressing the issue of illegal influx.
According to the pressure group, the government has abjectly failed on the issue and has failed to treat the matter with seriousness.
Of particular concern to the KSU is the state government’s inability to implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016 despite persistent calls for its enactment. Furthermore, the long-awaited approval for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), sought by the central government, is yet to materialise.
Lambokstarwell Marngar, president of the KSU, conveyed the organisation’s dismay at the state government’s negligence in combating illegal influx. Marngar pointed out that even though an entry point was established at Umling in Ri-Bhoi and inaugurated in 2020, it has now fallen into disuse since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marngar criticised the state government for not heeding the union’s pleas to address illegal influx adequately. Despite the pressure exerted by the KSU to establish the Umling entry point and implement the MRSSA in lieu of the ILP while awaiting central government approval, the state appears to have taken a lax approach to the matter.
The MRSSA would allow for the creation of checkgates in various parts of the state and create District Task Force Committees, according to Marngar.
