CoHSO wants Residents Act amended early

SHILLONG: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organization (CoHSO) met the Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, on Thursday and urged 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 next Assembly session to be held in March.”
The CoHSO has pushed for the amendment of the Act incorporating its four proposals — legal provision to bar an Indian or a foreigner from entering the state without valid permission, penalty for persons entering the state without valid permission, validity period of permission not more than 179 days and preventing other tribals from buying land in the state.
Tynsong informed them that the process of amendment was being looked into by the Political and Law departments.
“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.
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 fine.
Expressing his approval to the amendment, he said that the traditional heads should be empowered.