SHILLONG: Meghalaya government has gone ahead with the construction of the entry and exit points at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district despite the Dorbar Shnong of Pahammawlein sending a legal notice to the government on the matter.
Talking to media persons here on Tuesday, PWD Minister Comingone Ymbon said the land development work for setting up entry and exit points in Ri-Bhoi started since May 1.
However, the work was halted for the last two days in view of heavy rain but it resumed again on Monday.
He said the MDA government wants to send a strong message that it is committed to put a strong mechanism in place to address the issue of influx and illegal immigration.
“We are also looking at other options to provide special protection to the indigenous population,” Comingone said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had exuded confidence that the setting up of the entry and exit points in different parts of the state would up the confidence of the NGOs and public about their concerns of influx.
There are around 41 locations for setting up of entry/exit points.
Move lauded
The FKJGP, North Khasi Hills has lauded the MDA government for the steps taken to initiate the work of the entry and exit points at Umling.
In a statement, the FKJGP NKHD general secretary, Luistar Lyngdoh, said the organisation had been demanding entry and exit points to check the entry of people from outside the state.
He further urged the state government to speed up the construction of the entry and exit points so that these could become functional at the earliest.