SHILLONG: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisation (CoHSO) met the Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong urging the government to expedite the amendment of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016
Speaking to reporters, chairman of CoHSO, Robert June Kharjahrin said, “The Deputy Chief Minister has assured us that amendment will be introduced in the coming Assembly session to be held in March.”
The CoHSO has pushed for the amendment of the Act which should include the four proposals of CoHSO – legal provision should be in place to bar an Indian or a foreigner from entering the state without valid permission, penalty for persons when they enter the state without valid permission and validity period of not more than 179 days of the permission granted, prevent other tribals from buying lands in the state.
They were informed by Tynsong that the process of amendment is being looked into by the Political and Law departments of the state government.
“We have to understand what ILP is? It is one that will protect the indigenous people. The four provisions of the ILP should be incorporated in the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016,” Kharjahrin said.
In order to ensure tribals from other states are prevented from buying land in the state, he said the ST Order of 1950 should also be amended.
On the other hand, he has also demanded National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be implemented in the state with 1971 as the cut-off year.
Meanwhile, asked on the move of the state government to amend the Act, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), CEM HS Shylla said if the amendment prevents settlement, it is still fine.
He approved of the amendment while adding that the traditional heads should be empowered.
