Meghalaya cabinet to discuss on entry-exit points issue soon: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 3, 2020

 Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said the cabinet will soon discuss on the issue related to the setting up of the entry-exit points to regulate the entry of outsiders into the state.

This came a day after the anti-influx groups have suggested the state government to conduct a pilot project on the entry-exit points to regulate entry of outsiders into the state in view of the present COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will discuss this matter in the cabinet. It is a good point that they (NGOs) have raised and I agree that it is the right time for the government to strengthen entry points in the state,” Tynsong told reporters here.

It may be mentioned here that a joint memorandum submitted by the group of social organizations to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also expressed anguish over the delay in implementing the first phase of setting up of the entry-exit points as mandated by the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016.

Signatories of the memorandum include Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Achik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) and Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE).

Meanwhile reacting to the NGO’s claim of detecting 16 people from Uttar Pradesh in Ri Bhoi district, the Deputy CM said that they were passing through the state to go to Silchar, Assam. He also asked the NGOs to refrain from such misinformation as it will only create unnecessary confusion among the citizens of the state.

“We appreciate that the NGOs are alert and vigilant but we request them not to indulge in such misformation in social media,” he said.

On Tuesday, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) GK Iangrai had informed that after inquiry, it was established that the vehicle carrying the people from UP, was on its way to Silchar, Assam and had only halted at the Umran petrol pump for refueling purpose when they were intercepted by the KSU members.

 “It is further informed that the vehicle was a Transit Vehicle and screening as well as documentation were done by the District Administration at the Temperature Screening Centre in 13th Mile,” he  had stated.

The AIGP had further informed that entry of individuals or vehicles into the State without any valid pass or documents is prohibited, and screening of individuals or vehicles are being done in the designated screening centres.