SHILLONG, July 20: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) has strongly criticised the NPP-led MDA Government for its failure to implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, which was introduced to protect the indigenous population from unchecked influx.
At the same time, the federation also castigated the state government for failing to safeguard the border populace from muscle-flexing by Assam.
The FKJGP threatened to initiate action if the issues were not resolved with urgency by the state government.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Sunday, FKJGP vice president Kitboklang Nongphlang criticised the MDA Government for its failure to implement the MRSSA, 2016 which is a law that emerged after prolonged agitation by 13 pressure groups demanding the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
He accused the government of deliberately delaying the Act’s implementation under the pretext that it requires further amendments.
“If the government could regulate the entry of outsiders through simple notifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, why it is not showing any urgency in implementing the MRSSA?” he questioned.
“Our elected representatives have failed us. They seem more focused on their personal ambitions and status rather than fulfilling their responsibilities,” Nongphlang stated.
He also expressed disappointment over the government’s inability to protect the Khasi indigenous communities living in border villages.
“It is disheartening that the state government has failed to protect our people residing along the Meghalaya-Assam border,” he said, citing a recent incident where indigenous residents were allegedly attacked by Karbi individuals at Lapangap in Block-I, West Jaintia Hills.
He also recalled the 2022 Mukroh incident, where five villagers lost their lives following unprovoked firing by Assam forest guards and police personnel.
“Till today, the state government continues to be misled by Assam through the so-called status quo agreement. In reality, the Assam government continues to encroach into Meghalaya territory,” Nongphlang alleged.
He further lamented that local villagers are being pushed deeper into Meghalaya’s territory, which is a matter of serious concern.
Warning of future action, Nongphlang said the FKJGP may be compelled to take stronger measures if the government remains indifferent to the plight of border residents.
“We should not be blamed for provoking the people living along the border. We cannot remain silent while our own people are being harassed,” he stated.
