Northeast Desk, 30th August: Mukul Sangma, the newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, has called on the state government to expedite the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016. Sangma stressed the importance of amending specific sections of the Act, particularly concerning the establishment of facilitation centres, which had previously been challenged by the Meghalaya High Court.
Speaking during an Assembly session on August 29, Sangma highlighted that the MRSSA had passed judicial scrutiny and urged the state government to demonstrate its commitment to civil society by ensuring the Act’s full and effective implementation.
The MRSSA was introduced to empower local traditional bodies and address concerns about illegal immigration in the state. However, its complete implementation has been delayed due to the need for amendments and ongoing constitutional procedures.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, responding to Sangma’s resolution, assured that several provisions of the Act, including tenant verification and the formation of District Task Forces, are already being enforced. He also mentioned that the state government is in continuous communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the amended bill.
“We’re actively following up on this matter. The Chief Minister recently discussed it with the Union Home Minister in Delhi,” Tynsong informed the Assembly, adding that the government believes the 2020 amendment to the MRSSA is constitutionally sound and does not infringe on the right to free movement within the state.
Despite the delays in establishing facilitation centres due to court orders, Tynsong noted that 16 localities have begun implementing other provisions of the original 2016 Act.
Sangma, however, emphasized that the MRSSA is critical for addressing illegal immigration challenges in Meghalaya and urged the government to implement the Act in its original form without further delay.
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