Mendipathar rly station to get first entry-exit point

SHILLONG: The state government will soon set up an entry and exit point at Mendipathar railway station, North Garo Hills, for which the Railways have already given verbal permission, but one in writing was awaited.
Informing this here on Friday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the Home Minister, James Sangma, and Urban Affairs Minister, Hamlet Dohling, would soon visit the railway station for inspection.
As far as setting up of entry and exit points in other places of the state is concerned, the chief minister added that the government has finalised four-five locations, where traffic is high, for the purpose and work on these would begin in a few months in Ri Bhoi,  East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills and West Garo Hills.
Non- committal on ILP
When asked about the growing demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit in the state, the chief minister said that there is no right or wrong mechanism which will be 100 per cent foolproof in dealing with influx and illegal immigration, but the government would keep on improving and strengthening the system.
According to Sangma, the government is open to exploring all ideas as the state wants to balance the mechanism to ensure that illegal immigration does not take place and at the same time, the measures to check influx do not affect the economy of the state be it tourism or other investments.
“We are working to find out the best mechanism which will ensure a balance between checking illegal immigration and not affecting the economy of the state,” Sangma said.
He added that the government will have to be careful and take all aspects into consideration.
Reacting to a query, he said that entry and exit points are related to infrastructure while ILP is a mechanism.
He added even if ILP is implemented in Meghalaya, it would require infrastructure and funds.
“We are looking at a system which will suit our people and the state,” he said.