Security bill 2016 referred to committee

SHILLONG, MAR 23: The Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016 on Wednesday was referred to the select committee by the state assembly as it was perceived to have some flaws that could possibly lead to harassment to the local indigenous residents.

But the other bill Meghalaya (Banami Transactions Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2016 however was also passed  on the concluding day of the budget session on Wednesday.

Meghalaya assembly speaker AT Mondal informed the house that he had received letters from the chief minister Mukul Sangma and opposition leader Donkupar Roy, suggesting that the bill be referred to the select committee.

Quoting the rules, Mondal said, “Going by the content of the letters from the chief minister and opposition leader, I am of the opinion that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016 be referred to the select committee.”

With the approval of the house, the select committee for Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016 was constituted with the chief minister proposing the names of the members of committee.

The nine legislators who will be the members of the select committee include UDP MLA Metbah Lyngdoh, HSPDP MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit, Independent MLA John Leslee K Sangma, UDP MLA Jemino Mawthoh, MLA Hopeful Bamon, MLA C Momin, Independent MLA Saleng A Sangma, UDP MLA Embhahlang Syiemlieh and NPP MLA Nihim D Shira.

The Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016 and the Meghalaya (Banami Transactions Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was tabled by the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in the Assembly last week.

The state government had come up with the bills as part of its comprehensive mechanism to tackle the problem of influx and illegal immigration entering into the state.

The Congress led state government has recently come under severe criticism following its decision to introduce the residential bill which is allegedly ‘out of context’ from the objective of having a comprehensive mechanism to regulate influx and illegal immigration entering into the state.

The bill was also viewed as a legislation which will only harass the indigenous community and instead facilitate influx and illegal immigration to enter the state.

As per section 3 of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill, 2016, it was clearly stated – “All persons residing in rented houses in the state of Meghalaya shall furnish to the police station or to the local authority requisite documents.”- By Our Reporter