NGOs express dissentment over de-sanctioning of Umling entry point

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: In view of the news report that the proposed Entry point at Umling, Ri Bhoi district had been de-sanctioned by the Empowered Sanctioning Committee of the State Government, the conglomeration of NGOs comprising of the KSU, GSU, FKJGP, HNYF, AYWO, HNYF, RBYF and ADE expressed their dissentment, dissatisfaction and anguish at this sudden U-Turn by the Government of Meghalaya.

Such a blatant act depicted the insincerity of the State Government in solving the complex influx issue which had been plaguing the State even before its inception. The much awaited Entry & Exit Points, which are a condition of the Meghalaya Residents' Safety and Security Act 2016, arises after a prolonged and thorough negotiations and deliberations between the successive Governments led by Dr. Mukul Sangma and Conrad Sangma.

This Act in its state seeks to relatively regulate and monitor the entry and exit of outsiders into the state before the Centre's nod to implement the much demanded Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 or ILP, which is a prime demand of the aforementioned NGOs dating back to as early as 1985. Similarly the MRSSA also as per the rules will prevent and detect illegal entry and settlement of outsiders inside the already affected State of Meghalaya by massive immigration since 1971. It also penalizes violators as per the Act.

The NGOs in this context demands an immediate explanation to this de-sanctioning of the Umling Entry Point which is a vital check point considering its location in the gateway of the State. Time and again the NGOs have demanded a time frame for the full completion of the entry and exit points, especially those included in the first phase, from the Government. However, the Government seems to dillydally and cannot give a clear picture with this contentious issue and suddenly out of the blue, it de-sanctioned the Entry Point at Umling. The NGOs wondered if this is an initial move to do away with all the proposed Entry and Exit Points in the State. The NGOs would like to know at the earliest, is the Government committed in addressing the influx issue? Will it be necessary for the NGOs to take matter into their own hands? Because if this is the situation then the NGOs will be compelled to react so as to ensure that the microscopic indigenous communities are not engulfed by major immigrant communities.

Similarly the NGOs would like to know what happened with the ILP resolution adopted by the State's Assembly in December 19, 2019. How much is the progress till date? Are there any ongoing talks with the Central government? In December 2019, Amit Shah categorically stated that things will be resolved after Christmas for Meghalaya.

Finally the NGOs warned that they had been patient for a long time, the time has come for them to adopt stringent measures to counter the unabated influx in the State.

Also Watch: Look at How Cars are Crossing Roads in West Karbi Anglong