Anti-influx groups slam MDA govt for de-sanctioning of Umling entry-point

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 2, 2020

Anti-influx groups have registered strong opposition against the state government’s decision to de-sanction the construction of the much awaited entry-point at Umling under Ri Bhoi district.

“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,” said a joint statement of the seven NGOs -KSU, GSU, FKJGP, HNYF, AYWO, RBYF and ADE on Friday.

Expressing dissentment and anguish at this sudden U-turn, the NGOs have also demanded immediate explanation to this de-sanctioning of the Umling entry-point, which according to them is vital as it is the gateway to the state.

The decision to de-sanction the administrative approval for construction of the entry-point at Umling came to light after a letter was issued by the Under Secretary of the Tourism department, T Lyngdoh on September 29.

“In compliance with the decision of the Empowered Sanctioning Committee contained in the minutes of the meeting held on 23.9.2020, the previous administrative approval amounting to Rs 15,92,81,000 for construction of facilitation centre (entry-point) at Umling, Ri Bhoi district conveyed vide sanction order bearing No.Tourism 43/2019/35, dated 13.3.2020 may please be treated as cancelled. This has the order of the competent authority,” stated the letter addressed to the Principal AG (Audit) CASS Section, Shillong.

The NGOs further said that time and again they 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 dilly dally 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,” they said.

The anti-influx groups also sought to know if the government is committed in addressing the influx issue and if it is necessary for the NGOs to take matters 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,” the statement also warned.  

They also reminded that the setting up of the entry-exit points have been made mandatory by the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act 2016, which was passed after a prolonged and thorough negotiations and deliberations between the successive governments led by Dr Mukul Sangma and the present government led by Conrad K Sangma.

The Act seeks to 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 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 penalises violators as per the Act, they said.

Meanwhile, the NGOs also wanted to know the status of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) resolution adopted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in December 19, last year while asking if there are any ongoing talks with the central government since the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in his meeting held with government delegation had 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.