Tynsong inaugurates Umling entry point for registration of people from outside

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 21, 2020

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has inaugurated the entry point or facilitation centre at Umling in Ri Bhoi district to regulate and make registration compulsory for people from outside before entering the state.  

The facilitation centre – which is mandated as per the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) – also has a dedicated counter for screening people coming into the state to prevent the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Also present on the occasion were C&RD minister Hamletson Dohling, Agriculture minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, Umroi legislator George B Lyngdoh, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, Umsning MLA Jason Mawlong, government officials and others.  

This also came in the wake of the growing demand from the different anti-influx pressure groups for the immediate implementation of the MRSSA following the Centre’s delay to approve the resolution passed by the state Assembly for implementation of ILP in the state.

Earlier, the pressure groups have threatened to open the entry point and make it functional on their own if the state government fails to inaugurate it today.

Addressing media persons, Tynsong termed the inauguration of the Umling entry point as a mark of fulfilling the long-cherish aspiration of the indigenous people of the state.

“It is indeed a happy moment that the government has been able to complete the setting up of the entry point as promised,” he said.

Allaying the misconception about the intention of the government, Tynsong said, “People coming to the state should not have any fear while entering the state as the system being put in place is very simple and all they need to do is to register with the government.”  

“We want to ensure safety and security not only to our citizens but our visitors as well,” he said while maintaining that those coming for one-day official works need not register but they have only produce certificates certifying that they are COVID free.

According to him, the registration process will be both offline and online which for online registration a dedicated app has been put in place by the tourism department.

Stating that the system adopted by the state is unique in the country, Tynsong said it can be replicated by other states.  

It may be mentioned here that the Umling entry point is one among the 18 entry-exit points proposed to be set up in the different districts of the state under the first phase of implementing the MRSSA.