Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma mulls Assam type NRC for Meghalaya

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government under the leadership of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has an intention to conduct a similar exercise in the state to identify genuine citizen like the one conducted by the Assam government through the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

This was informed by senior political leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and former deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong. It may be reminded that after the NRC which had been conducted, a huge number of illegal settlers were detected in Assam and hence creating panic in other North Eastern states.

Following this, NGOs including the North East Students Organization (NESO), the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and others have demanded a similar kind of exercise to be conducted in Meghalaya and other states in the North East. “The government has proceeded ahead in examining the matter and to look at the concern raised by the people and other NGOs,” Lanong told The Sentinel. He said the State government is also serious on this issue to detect genuine citizen of the state and country and to flush out those people who are staying illegally in the state without any paperwork’s. When asked, on the demands made by several NGOs on this issue, he said, “In my personal opinion I welcome the demands made by various NGOs.”

Meanwhile, former MLA of South Tura constituency, Agatha Sangma conceded that there are people who are staying in Meghalaya illegally. Sangma said,“The final decision is with the State government to implement a similar kind of exercise like the one carried out by the Assam government through the NRC in Meghalaya to identify genuine citizens and those staying illegally.”