Shillong: Tensions are rising in Shillong over the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. Two major pressure groups, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council and the Khasi Students Union, now clash on which version of the law to enforce. The standoff stalls potential progress on residency regulations.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem claims the original 2016 Act is toothless. He argues it lacks provisions to register outsiders or establish proper facilitation centres at entry points. Synrem insists only the 2020 amended version provides enough regulatory power. "The HYC has always maintained the MRSSA, 2016, had no teeth. It was only after the amendments in 2020 that the Act was strengthened with provisions to regulate the entry of people into the state," he stated.
Synrem further alleges the government uses the original 2016 Act to mislead the public. He argues that if the government truly believes the original law protects indigenous interests, they must show exactly which section mandates registration or grants the power to use facilitation centres as entry and exit points. Furthermore, he contends that if the state cannot implement the Inner Line Permit, they must pass the 2020 Amendment Bill to better control the region.
Meanwhile, KSU general secretary Reuben A. Najiar demands immediate implementation of the 2016 version as an interim measure. He maintains that the KSU still supports the Inner Line Permit. The KSU claims the 2020 amendment is a distraction. Najiar alleges the update contains only one significant provision, which is a penalty for providing false information. He believes the government created the amendment process to spark public confusion and delay taking action.
The KSU calls for immediate operation of facilitation centres at Umling and Ratacherra. They also want all District Task Forces activated. The student group threatens to intensify protests if the government continues to stall. Synrem also pointed to economic frustrations, noting that local youth are relegated to security guard jobs for outside companies while the government leaves residents to seek work in other states.
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