Shillong : Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira on Friday said the proposed Tourist Facilitation Centre at Umling will serve as both a tourist registration centre and a facility to monitor the entry of visitors into the state.
The minister said the centre will provide basic amenities, including a food court, while tourists complete the registration process.
Responding to the opposition raised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) over the food court at Umling, Shira declined to comment, saying he did not want to create unnecessary controversy.
He stated that the registration system is aimed at verifying the identity of visitors and preventing illegal entry into Meghalaya.
According to Shira, every visitor will be required to register and produce valid documents to establish their identity. He said the system is similar to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) process followed in neighbouring Nagaland.
The minister also informed that a similar registration facility has already been established at Berubari in Garo Hills.
Rejecting allegations that the government lacks a proper mechanism to tackle illegal influx, Shira said Meghalaya already has an infiltration check gate and that the tourist registration system will further strengthen monitoring.
He added that government officials have already held discussions with KSU leaders, while issues relating to the Umling entry point are currently pending before the court.