Meghalaya Governor takes a jibe at NGOs over entry-exit point demand

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 3, 2020

Governor Tathagata Roy on Wednesday said policing must be done only by lawful authorities.

Roy said in his twitter message that no Indian citizen is an ‘outsider’ while reacting to the demand made by anti-influx groups for setting up of entry-exit points to regulate entry of outsiders into the state especially in view of the present COVID-19 pandemic.

“…For genl information, no Indian citizen is an ‘outsider’ anywhere in India. They must, however, abide by local laws. And the policing must be done only by lawful authorities. These CAN NEVER BE OUTSOURCED,” the Governor had tweeted.

The NGOs in a joint memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday had expressed their anguish and unhappiness 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.

They have also asked the government to conduct a pilot project on the entry-exit points to regulate entry of outsiders into the state in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The first phase of the entry-exit points consisted of the areas of Malidor, Byrnihat Borbhuin, Athiabari, Medhipara Junction, Abhirampara, Chibinang, Bhoglurbitha, Phulbari (Ghat), Rajabala, Singimari Trijunction, Tangaon, Baljek Airport, Mirjumla, Jhunjuni, Dainadubi, Manikganj, Nalbari Railway Station, Mendipathar Railway Station, Mendipathar Bazar, Khaldang & Bajengdoba.

The signatories of the joint 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).