Shillong, July 18: Amid growing concerns over unchecked influx and the Centre’s continued silence on Meghalaya’s demand for an Inner Line Permit (ILP), United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem has called for the swift and sincere implementation of facilitation centres under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
Syiem said these centres are essential for monitoring and regulating the entry of people into the state, particularly in light of increasing cross-border infiltration threats from Bangladesh and the rise of extremist forces in the region.
“The facilitation centres are not just about preventing illegal immigration—they are also about managing transient populations more effectively and strengthening our internal security setup,” he said.
According to Syiem, the centres will serve as guidance points for those entering Meghalaya and, if managed properly, could significantly enhance the state’s ability to address external threats.
He further stressed that the centres, as outlined in the MRSSA, would help ensure legal compliance while also promoting responsible tourism. “Requiring visitors to use local guides and vehicles will protect both tourists and the local economy,” he added.
While acknowledging that the resolution seeking ILP—passed by the Meghalaya Assembly—remains unapproved by the Centre, Syiem urged the state government to focus on measures currently within its control. He expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of the amended MRSSA, passed in 2020, stating that the Act provides a robust framework for regulating the entry and stay of outsiders.
“The MRSSA empowers local headmen and community-level committees to verify and report new arrivals to law enforcement authorities. If implemented earnestly, this could offer a level of protection similar to the ILP, albeit through a different mechanism,” he stated.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s status as a transit state, Syiem said proper record-keeping and vigilance systems must be put in place to monitor those merely passing through. He reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for the full implementation of the MRSSA, calling it a necessary step to safeguard the interests and security of the people.
“This is an urgent need. The safety and welfare of our people cannot be left to chance,” Syiem concluded.
