Shillong: Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged concerns regarding the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. He told a United Democratic Party delegation that the state government must review two or three provisions before the Centre approves the bill. The delegation, led by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, met with Shah in New Delhi to push for a series of local demands.
Rymbui argued that existing Sixth Schedule safeguards and the Land Transfer Act fail to protect indigenous people from demographic and socio-economic pressures. The state is demanding the Inner Line Permit. Shah noted the proposal requires careful study because it affects other states and Meghalaya serves as a transit point. Rymbui stated, “With time, we realised we need more laws to protect the indigenous people of the state.”
The group also lobbied for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule. Shah asked the state for patience while the matter remains under consideration. Regarding coal mining, the delegation sought amendments to the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act of 1957. A committee is currently examining the situation.
Additional requests include relocating the Harijan community from Them Iew Mawlong by using defence land and gaining recognition for Niam Khasi and Niamtre as minority religions. The delegation also requested funds for 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, financial support for NEHU, and a new National Highway running from Mahendraganj through Baghmara and Ranikor. Finally, they demanded a halt to uranium mining due to widespread public opposition.
Updated at 14th August 2026 at 1:49pm
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma struck an optimistic tone regarding the MRSSA, calling recent meetings with federal officials very positive. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong met with the Union Home Secretary, and senior state bureaucrats have held several rounds of talks with the Ministry to hammer out specific details. The Chief Minister confirmed that more meetings between state officials and the Centre are on the horizon.
The MRSSA originally hit the books in 2016 to manage outsider entry and bolster indigenous protections. However, the Home Ministry previously warned the state that the current draft needs a serious scrub to survive potential challenges in court or Parliament.
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