SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday warned that it could be forced to take matters into its own hands if the Meghalaya government continues to delay the implementation of key laws aimed at regulating influx into the state.
The warning came after a meeting between the KSU’s Central Executive Committee and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, during which the union pressed the government to act on its long-pending 20-point charter of demands.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, KSU president Raymond Kharjana said the discussion focused on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, and the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020.
ILP Still Awaiting Centre’s Approval
Kharjana said the Chief Minister informed the delegation that the proposal for implementing the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya remains pending with the Central Government.
According to him, the Chief Minister assured the union that the state government would continue pursuing the Centre for an early approval of the ILP.
KSU Opposes Conversion of MRSSA Facilitation Centres
The KSU also strongly opposed any move to convert MRSSA facilitation centres or entry-exit checkpoints into food courts.
Kharjana said the union made its position clear that such centres are meant to regulate movement into the state and should not be used for commercial purposes.
He added that although the MRSSA was enacted in 2016, it has yet to be fully implemented. The Chief Minister reportedly informed the union that certain provisions are pending due to legal issues involving Central laws and the Governor’s assent.
Entry-Exit Points Essential
The KSU reiterated that the MRSSA cannot function effectively without the establishment of entry-exit checkpoints across Meghalaya.
Kharjana said these checkpoints are essential for monitoring the movement of people entering the state and for addressing concerns over unchecked influx.
Without the required infrastructure, he said, the implementation of the Act would remain ineffective.
Government Agrees on Migrant Workers Verification
The meeting also discussed the implementation of the Meghalaya Migrant Workers Act, 2020.
Kharjana said the KSU had earlier submitted recommendations to strengthen the law, including mandatory police verification of migrant workers entering the state for employment.
According to him, the Chief Minister agreed to this proposal and assured that the government would take steps to implement it effectively.
“Patience Running Out”
Expressing disappointment over the continued delay in implementing all three laws, Kharjana said the KSU has repeatedly received the same explanation—that the matters remain pending with different authorities.
He warned that if the government fails to implement the ILP, MRSSA and the Migrant Workers Act to protect the rights and identity of indigenous communities, the KSU would be compelled to act on its own.
Kharjana further stated that the union is no longer considering issuing an ultimatum, saying the demands have remained pending for years. He asserted that if the government does not enforce the laws, the KSU will decide its own course of action to safeguard indigenous interests.
The Chief Minister, however, assured the delegation that several issues raised by the union would be addressed in the coming days and weeks, while discussions on the remaining demands would continue.