Shillong: The Meghalaya government is rolling out a mandatory registration system for all tourists and non-residents entering the state. The program mirrors the Inner Line Permit regimes in neighboring states like Manipur and Mizoram. Officials will verify the background and travel plans of every outsider before they move deeper into the region.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira confirmed the government will open dedicated registration centers to handle the influx. Work starts at Umling in Ri-Bhoi. The state expects to expand this network into the Garo Hills soon. The administration claims the system will provide real-time data on arrivals while boosting safety for locals and travelers alike. Registration takes time. To keep visitors happy, the state planned a food court at the Umling site so people can grab a meal while staff processes their paperwork.
Construction at the Umling site hit a wall after the Khasi Students’ Union stalled the work. The student group demanded the facility stay a pure surveillance and facilitation center instead of turning into a business. The group told officials to ditch the commercial plans. The Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner is now negotiating with the union to restart the project.
This facility carries a long history of controversy. The state spent 2.7 crore rupees to build the structure in 2020. It served as a COVID-19 testing hub before the courts ordered it shut down. The government is now trying to clear these legal hurdles to get the center running as a full-time gatekeeper.
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