Cong slams MDA govt for attempting to create misperception about MRSSA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 4, 2019

SHILLONG: The opposition Congress has slammed the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government for allegedly attempting to create a “misperception” that the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 does not have enough teeth to protect the indigenous people. 

After a meeting held here on Monday, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma told reporters that there has been attempt to create a misperception about the MRSSA passed by the then Congress-led government to check influx and illegal immigration. 

The amendment of the MRSSA, 2016 was passed in the form of an ordinance by the state Cabinet last week. 

According to ordinance, any person who is not a resident of Meghalaya and intend to stay more than 24 hours in the state will have to register and furnish information to the government. 

However, people who fail to furnish information or provide false information are liable to be punished under section of 176 and 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860.

Sangma however said that the MRSSA was designed to safeguard and address all concerns of the indigenous tribes in the state. 

“The party was able to response to the call of duty and after long drawn engagement with stakeholders, the act was passed and it was considered enough to protect the people of the state,” he said. 

On the other hand, Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh accused the MDA government to sleeping over the MRSSA for nearly three years and demanded that the MRSSA should be immediately implemented. 

“After sleeping over it for 3 years and now an ordinance…this is being planned. Had the Act was implemented in the last 3 years, we would not have an ordinance,” he said.

Stating that the Congress is for implementation of the MRSSA in letter and spirit, Ramesh however said, “If in the process of implementation, there is need for amendment so be it. We want MRSSA to be implemented and strengthened.” 

According to him, section 18 of the original act is very powerful to protect the indigenous people of the state.