Shillong: Tensions are rising in Shillong over the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. Two powerful groups, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council and the Khasi Students Union, are now fighting over how to enforce the law. They cannot agree on which version of the Act should hit the books. The divide surfaced Sunday.
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council wants the 2020 amended version. President Roy Kupar Synrem claims the original 2016 law lacked bite. He argues the amendments provide real regulatory power to track visitors and penalize those who break rules. "The HYC has always maintained the MRSSA, 2016, had no teeth," Synrem said.
The Khasi Students Union disagrees. General secretary Reuben A. Najiar wants the 2016 law enforced immediately. He views the act as a stopgap until the government introduces an Inner Line Permit. Najiar claims the government used the 2019 amendment process to stall. He believes the changes added almost nothing of substance. The group suspects the state is simply avoiding implementation.
The Khasi Students Union is turning up the heat. They demand the government open facilitation centres at Umling and Ratacherra right now. They also want all District Task Forces activated. The union warned of protests if officials keep dragging their feet. Both groups now accuse the government of failing to act, leaving the state's residency rules stuck in limbo.
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