In a significant move aimed at reinforcing internal security and protecting Meghalaya’s borders from growing external threats, the state government is actively exploring the option of either amending the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) or bringing in an entirely new legislation. The decision comes in response to concerns over increasing infiltration from Bangladesh, the rise of Islamic fundamentalist forces hostile to India, and the shifting geopolitical dynamics of the region.
The matter was deliberated during a high-level meeting chaired recently by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home and Police, Prestone Tynsong. The meeting, attended by Tourism Minister and MDA 2.0 Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh along with other senior officials, focused on giving the MRSSA “more teeth” while addressing critical queries raised by the Governor.
“We have also taken up the possibility of either amending the MRSSA or coming up with an entirely new legislation which will focus entirely on the subject of ensuring safety to travellers in Meghalaya, also keeping in view the changing dynamics, the geopolitical scenario, the rising cases of infiltration from Bangladesh, the rise of Islamic forces inimical to India in that country. All these are areas of concern which will inform our effort to give the MRSSA more teeth or to come up with an entirely new Act,” said Paul Lyngdoh.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Lyngdoh explained that the government is determined to respond to the two specific queries raised by the Governor regarding the MRSSA. “We are looking at the option of either amending the Act, answering to the queries. There are two queries raised by the Governor—we will respond to those queries. Those were relating to whether having a facilitation centre will impede the flow of traffic, whether it will result in harassment. Then there was also this bit about part of the MRSSA which mentions anti-social elements. So, what is the definition of anti-social elements? Those were the queries,” he clarified.
Lyngdoh further stated that the government is working towards a “holistic, comprehensive law” that goes beyond MRSSA’s existing scope. “This is related to MRSSA, and we will come out with a holistic, comprehensive law—either give MRSSA more teeth or come out with a comprehensive law that covers labours, tourism, cross-border acts of terrorism, the geopolitical situation with Bangladesh, especially as our immediate neighbours. All these will be different ingredients which will be addressed by our fresh initiative,” he said.
He concluded with a firm assurance: “We will address this concern as part of the effort to either give more teeth to MRSSA or come up with another entirely new legislation.”
The move reflects the state government’s growing commitment to proactively secure its borders, streamline migrant monitoring, and enhance the safety and confidence of both residents and visitors in Meghalaya.
