MRSSA or ILP in Meghalaya? Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek Bats for MRSSA over ILP

Meghalaya government on 13 June took a cabinet decision to revisit the MRSSA to tighten monitoring of non-residents, including tourists.

At a time when the clamour for Inner Line Permit (ILP) is growing in Meghalaya, Senior BJP Leader and Cabinet Minister of Meghalaya, AL Hek has advocated for Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). Hek has expressed strong support for the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) over the Inner Line Permit (ILP), calling it a more effective mechanism to ensure safety and accountability for both residents and visitors in the State.

Talking to Northeast Live, Hek said that MRSSA has the potential to safeguard all individuals entering Meghalaya, whether tourists or those visiting for official purposes. He stressed that the Act empowers local institutions like the Dorbar Shnong and police to work together on registration and monitoring, enhancing grassroots vigilance. According to Hek, MRSSA, especially in its amended form, offers a practical and inclusive solution.

Significantly, the Meghalaya government on 13 June took a cabinet decision to revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to tighten monitoring of non-residents, including tourists.

The cabinet decision to revisit the MRSSA which is already an existing state Act aims to add more teeth to this Act in view of what had been experienced in Sohra and to minimize the possibility of criminal elements entering Meghalaya in the guise of tourists. This comes in the wake of the recent murder of Raja Raghuvanshi in Sohra, allegedly by his wife Sonam Raguvanshi and 4 others.
The Meghalaya government has also shut down all unauthorised vehicle rental operations after discovering their connection to this sensational murder case.

The transport department has completely prohibited private two-wheeler and four-wheeler rental businesses. The evidence showed illegal rental services facilitated the Raghuvanshi murder. The revised MRSSA framework envisages tourists and other visitors staying in hotels, guest houses or other temporary accommodations to register themselves upon arrival. This move aims to improve the tracking mechanism and strengthen public safety in the state.

Meanwhile, Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) protested outside the secretariat demanding implementation of ILP, constitution of special investigation team to detect Bangladeshis and the need to implement the Act related to inter-state workers.
CoMSO leader and HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said these measures are needed in view of the recent murder committed by outsiders in Sohra. While the members of the pressure group protested, the cabinet decided to revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).

It may be noted that, originally enacted in 2016, MRSSA was designed to address concerns over illegal immigration and unregulated influx into tribal areas. However, this murder case has renewed urgency to amend and enforce safety protocols more rigorously.

Also Read: Raja Raghuvanshi Promised Sonam Tea Every Morning, a World Tour Every Year, and Shopping Every Month, But She Gave Him a Death

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

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