SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has clarified that constructing physical infrastructure for the Entry-Exit Point at Umling is straightforward for the state government, but the real challenge lies in establishing a strong legal framework to enable thorough checking and screening.
Sangma made these remarks on Monday, responding to recent statements by Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira about plans for a Tourist Registration Centre at the site.
The Umling facility has become a flashpoint for public debate, with local groups, especially the North Khasi Hills unit of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), protesting government plans to convert the existing Facilitation Centre into food courts.
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The KSU and other organizations have demanded that the government prioritize a fully operational entry-exit gate to regulate the influx of outsiders, rather than focus on commercial ventures.
Addressing the controversy, Chief Minister Sangma emphasized that setting up a physical gate or booth is an easy task his administration could accomplish immediately. However, he stressed that such infrastructure is meaningless without a robust and legally binding law, as personnel would otherwise lack the authority to conduct effective verification and control.
Sangma pinpointed the core challenge as legal implementation and statutory empowerment. He expressed optimism that the proposed amendment to the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) would provide the necessary legal authority for strict checking at entry points.
While agreeing with the Tourism Minister on the need for a Registration Centre, Sangma reiterated that the success of any registration or screening system depends entirely on the strength of the legal framework underpinning it.
(4FrontMedia news)
