The North Eastern state of Meghalaya recently introduced a rule whereby all outsiders visiting Meghalaya will have to register with the authorities. The measure aims to keep in chek illegal immigration from Bangladesh as well as other neighbouring states. While it remains to be seen whether the law wil serve its purpose or not, it would certainly be interesting to look at whether this idea will help a state such as Goa.
What is the new rule in Meghalaya
Outsiders visiting Meghalaya will now have to register under the new Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRRSA), 2016, that will come into effect after being regularised in the next Assembly session.
The state government recently approved an ordinance that replaces the amended MRRSA under which registration on entry is mandatory for any outsider intending to spend more than 24 hours in any part of Meghalaya.
Visitors to Meghalaya can also register online under the amended Act - the District Task Force headed by District Magistrates will be entrusted with the registering exercise.
Why the law was introduced
There was an increasing demand to enhance vigil against influx of non-indigenous people in the hill state, following the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. The updated final NRC, which validates bonafide Indian citizens of Assam, was released in August with the authority conducting the exercise shutting out the citizenship claims of over 19 lakh applicants.
The Meghalaya government approved the draft amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, to include the provision for registration, amid demands for an Inner Line Permit system to stop “illegal immigration” into the state. The Act was previously applicable only to tenants. The Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow the travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. It is currently in force in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
