'Almost like ILP': Shira on proposed tourist registration at Meghalaya’s Umling

SHILLONG, JUL 10: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira on Friday defended the government’s plan to set up a facilitation and tourist registration centre at Umling, stating that it is aimed at monitoring entry into Meghalaya and addressing concerns over illegal influx.

The Minister’s statement comes amid opposition from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to the proposed food court at the Umling entry point.

“I will not make a comment because if I make a comment it will develop into controversy, so I don’t want to make any comment,” Shira said on the KSU objection.

Explaining the purpose of the facility, Shira said the centre would serve both as a facilitation point and a registration hub for tourists entering the state.

“Our plan is to make it a facilitation centre plus registration of tourists. In our plan we have provided two rooms for doing office work, like registering the tourists. At the time of registration some time will be taken, so during that time whatever they have to spend waiting for registration they can enjoy at the same time. So, we are providing facilities like restaurants. That is all,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the registration process is necessary to verify the identity and intent of visitors.

“Yes, it will be a tourist registration centre. Because you see, in the name of tourists, many people are coming to do something. So, in order to check their intention, whether they are coming as tourists with the right intention or coming in disguise of tourists to do some harm, that is necessary for us. We have to examine their papers to check whether they are actually genuine citizens of India or from other countries and whether they have proper documents or not,” Shira stated.

Drawing a comparison with entry regulations in other states, he added, “You see, it is almost like ILP. When we go to Nagaland, everybody has to go through the ILP system.”

Shira said a similar model is being adopted in other parts of the state.

“Even in Garo Hills also we have constructed a house in Berubari. That also will be like that. We will have some restaurants and at the same time there will be Registration Officers to check whether the tourists are coming with proper documents or not,” he said.

On allegations that the government lacks a mechanism to tackle influx, the Minister pushed back.

“Who says the government does not have a proper mechanism to check illegal influx? Now there is an infiltration check. What more check is required? Now we have an infiltration check gate plus this registration. So, what more?” he asked.

On engagements with KSU, Shira said discussions had been held at the official level.

“In fact, at the officers’ level, there was a talk. The Deputy Commissioner had called the KSU members and requested them not to disturb the work. But what their decision is, I don’t know,” he said.

He further noted that the matter related to the Umling entry point is also before the court.

“Whatever the court provision is, I think the Government of Meghalaya has replied,” Shira said.

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