SHILLONG: The state government is going slow on the amendment to Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act due to various reasons.
After several pressure groups had demanded implementation of ILP, the state government wanted to strengthen the Security Act.
However, an official source said on Saturday that it will take more time to amend Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. The source added that the state government wants to ensure that the amended Act does not affect the flow of tourists to the state.
Besides, the state government will have to define who is a citizen or resident of the state since the Act relates to the safety and security of the residents.
According to sources, another complication is that if an entry and exit point is set up on the border, the personnel manning the area will have to check everyone who enters the state which will be a time taking exercise.
A senior government official pointed out that since the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act will be strengthened, this should not prevent the free movement of the citizens of the country to visit the state.
The official added that all these aspects will be taken into account when the final draft of the amended Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act is prepared. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has already indicated that the government was committed to frame an effective mechanism to check influx while at the same time taking into account the development initiatives of the state.
