The Meghalaya government is set to revamp the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, following the recent murder of a tourist in Sohra. The move aims to strengthen security measures and prevent criminal activities disguised as tourism.
Key Decisions from Meghalaya Cabinet
- Mandatory Tourist Registration: All visitors staying in hotels, homestays, and resorts will be required to register their details for enhanced tracking.
- MRSSA Overhaul: The government plans to introduce stricter enforcement and plug loopholes in the existing law.
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) Demand: The state assembly has already passed a resolution seeking ILP implementation, but the proposal is still under review by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Tourism Minister’s Statement
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized that the MRSSA framework will be strengthened to ensure a secure yet tourist-friendly atmosphere. He also confirmed that visitor footfall remains strong, with expectations of 20 lakh tourists by the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Public Reaction & Future Outlook
- Security Concerns: The Sohra murder case has raised concerns over criminal elements exploiting tourism.
- Government’s Assurance: Officials have assured that Meghalaya remains committed to welcoming genuine tourists while ensuring public safety.
With the MRSSA overhaul and stricter tourist regulations, Meghalaya aims to balance tourism growth with enhanced security measures.
For more updates on policy changes and tourism regulations, stay tuned! 🚀
