Meghalaya: Construction of entry-exit point at Ri Bhoi begins
SHILLONG | May 06, 2019:
The Meghalaya Government has gone ahead with the construction of the entry and exit point at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district.
"The land development works for the setting up of entry and exit point in Ri-Bhoi has started since May 01. But the work had to be stop for the last two days in view of the heavy rain. But again today the work has resumed," PWD Building Minister, Comingone Ymbon told reporters here today.
He said that the construction of the entry and exit point is being carried out at the Government land near the Weighbridge at Umling. The PWD Building Minister said that the MDA Government wants to send a strong message that they are committed to put a strong mechanism to address the issue of influx and illegal immigration.
"We are also looking at other options to provide special protection to the local indigenous population," Comingone said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had exuded confidence that the setting up of the entry and exit points in different parts of the state would up the confidence of the NGOs and public about their concern of influx.
It may be mentioned that there are around 41 locations for setting up of entry/exit points. Chief Minister had stated that it will not be possible for the government to start in all 41 locations because of land acquisition and financial constrain.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP North Khasi Hills District has lauded the MDA Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the steps taken to initiate the work of the Entry and Exit Point at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district.
In a statement, the FKJGP NKHD general secretary, Luistar Lyngdoh said that they had been demanding for the setting up of the entry and exit points to check the entry of people from outside the State.
He stated that the Central Body of the organisation recently had threatened that they would take stringent steps if the Government continue to delay in setting up of this important infrastructure which will address the issue of illegal immigration and influx to a large extend.
"We are hopeful that this steps taken by the Government will go a long way to address the problem of influx and also regulate the entry and exit of people from outside the State," FKJGP NKHD general secretary said.
He further urged upon the State Government to speed up the construction of the entry and exit point so that it could be functional at the earliest.
