CM Conrad Sangma says MRSSA is being implemented despite infrastructure challenges; stakeholders to be consulted on ILP-like mechanism under proposed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday reiterated that illegal immigration continues to be one of the key concerns of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-led government, given the state’s long and porous borders.
Meghalaya shares a 443-kilometre international border with Bangladesh and an approximately 885-kilometre boundary with Assam, making the issue of influx and undocumented migration particularly sensitive.
Responding to allegations by Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma that the state government has failed to properly implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety & Security Act (MRSSA) Online Portal, the Chief Minister rejected the claim, stating that the system is operational in several localities.
“The MRSSA is being implemented in many areas. However, infrastructure-related challenges remain, as further investment is required. In several localities, the response has been very positive and the system is functioning well. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that MRSSA has not been implemented,” Sangma said.
He acknowledged that discussions are ongoing to strengthen the legal framework, while also pointing out inherent limitations within the existing Act. Sangma noted that although rules framed during the previous government spoke of setting up entry and exit checkpoints, the MRSSA Act itself does not provide for such check gates.
“Rules must be framed strictly within the provisions of the Act. If the Act does not permit checkpoints, then rules cannot legally introduce them,” he explained.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government plans to hold consultations with all stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organisations, on a proposal to introduce an Inner Line Permit (ILP)-like mechanism under the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Emphasising that no final decision has been taken, Sangma cautioned against premature opposition. “Opposing an idea without understanding its contents or intent is neither constructive nor helpful in resolving such a long-standing and sensitive issue,” he said.
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