Shillong, Jul 15: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Saturday announced plans to hold a series of public meetings and consultations with dorbar shnongs across Meghalaya to pressure the state government to immediately implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016.
Speaking to reporters, KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said the union would intensify its campaign, alleging the government has unnecessarily delayed enforcing the Act while citing reasons “that do not stand scrutiny.”
Citing an RTI reply, Najiar claimed the Ministry of Home Affairs has “no knowledge” of the matter and that the High Court has not disposed of the related case — contradicting the government’s earlier stand that the issue was pending with the MHA and the court.
“There is no reason why the 2016 Act cannot be brought into force,” he said, while the 2019 amendment Act remains with the Centre awaiting Presidential assent.
Najiar said the 2019 amendment mainly dealt with punishment and regulation, and that only the Inner Line Permit (ILP) can effectively regulate entry into the state. “If anyone claims that the 2019 amendment alone can regulate influx, they are misleading the public,” he added.
On the Umling facilitation centre, he said the KSU has received no fresh update and that a site inspection was suggested during a meeting with the KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit.
Expressing concern over rising influx, Najiar linked it to eviction drives in Assam and West Bengal. “We do not want Meghalaya to suffer because of influx from neighbouring states,” he said.
The KSU said its outreach with dorbars and the public will aim to build pressure for immediate implementation of MRSSA, 2016.
