Shillong, Jul 18: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has reiterated that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 does not protect the indigenous people of the state.
“If you say that MRSSA, 2016 is enough show us which sections state that an outsider coming into Meghalaya has to register himself or a section which makes the facilitation centre a statutory entry and exit gate with power to register names of people entering our state,” HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem said during the 12th anniversary celebration in Laitarted, Nongthliew.
Synrem alleged the government is misleading people by claiming the 2016 Act is sufficient. He said the Act lacks statutory obligation for registration, and questioned under which section a person refusing to give details could be prosecuted.
“If the government cannot implement ILP in Meghalaya, then the 2020 amendment Bill should be enacted,” he said.
The HYC president also flagged concerns over state projects, alleging they are being given to outside companies while local youth are left to “look in envy” or take up jobs as security guards.
“Our youths have to leave their homes and look for jobs in other parts of the state,” Synrem said, questioning whether the government wants state youth to only work as security guards while outsiders accumulate wealth.
