Govt accused of turning security hub into food court
NONGPOH, July 2: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has forced a standoff at the Umling ‘Entry Point,’ accusing the Meghalaya government of prioritising commercial food courts over the state’s promised security mechanism to check illegal influx.
Following a meeting with Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini on Thursday, the KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit reaffirmed its opposition to the project, insisting the site be developed exclusively as a Facilitation Centre under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
KSU unit president Ferdynald Kharkamni said a recent inspection confirmed the government intends to convert the site into a commercial hub. The union argues this move betrays the original purpose of the facility, which was conceived as a strategic entry point following the 2013-14 Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement.
The union highlighted a major logistical concern: the current site at Umling consists of only two acres, down from an original 15-acre proposal that fell through. “Developing commercial food courts within this limited area will inevitably create severe traffic congestion once the MRSSA Entry Point becomes operational,” Kharkamni said.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reportedly appealed to the union not to obstruct “development” or “employment opportunities.” Kharkamni dismissed this argument, questioning the government’s transparency. He pointed out that when the facility was inaugurated in 2020, 32 data entry operators and staff were engaged, yet their current status remains unclear.
“The issue is not about creating jobs through a food court, but about implementing the Facilitation Centre as originally intended,” Kharkamni said. He further noted that the KSU had no knowledge of the project’s tender until construction began, raising concerns over how the contract was awarded.
The KSU has now halted all construction at the site. The union stated it would not allow work to resume until the government guarantees the facility will serve its primary purpose as a security checkpoint to regulate entry and intercept illegal activities, including drug trafficking.
“The government must decide whether this site is a food court or a Facilitation Centre,” Kharkamni said. “If they choose the former, it proves they are not serious about influx. We will continue to stop construction until we receive a clear response.”
The meeting was attended by the Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police, the District Tourist Officer, and the contractor involved in the project. The Deputy Commissioner has sought time to discuss the matter with the state government.
