In a series of developments at the state legislature on Thursday, the Government of Meghalaya announced plans to revisit and amend the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, with the aim of strengthening legal provisions to tackle illegal immigration while ensuring the statute can withstand judicial scrutiny. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed the Assembly that the government intends to work closely with the central government and Parliament to revise the act in a manner that reflects both security concerns and constitutional standards, as lawmakers debated concerns about cross-border movement and enforcement mechanisms.
The announcement came amid broader debates in the Assembly about immigration policy and legal mechanisms to monitor and regulate entry into the state, including discussions over complementing existing laws with enhanced monitoring systems similar to permit-based regimes, though not explicitly termed as an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Opposition parties raised questions about the pace and scope of reforms, underscoring the political and social sensitivities surrounding migration issues in Meghalaya.
Alongside legal reforms, the Meghalaya government also highlighted steps to bolster infrastructure and public welfare. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong revealed that the state has processed and disbursed over ₹268 crore as land compensation for key National Highway projects in North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills districts, a move aimed at accelerating road construction and improving connectivity across the region’s difficult terrain. Compensation clearance is expected to ease delays in road widening and create new opportunities for economic activity in rural belts.
Security concerns were also underscored as senior officials reported the arrest of thirteen people in connection with a deadly attack in the Goalgaon area of West Garo Hills that left one person dead. The police action followed questions in the Assembly about the incident, which stemmed from tensions linked to local disputes over quarrying activities. Authorities have pledged to maintain law and order and conduct thorough investigations to prevent further such incidents.
In another administrative move, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) tabled an interim budget of ₹36.99 crore for the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year, aimed at ensuring continuity of essential services and development expenditures while the full budget is finalized. The allocations cover key departments including civil works, administration, and judicial functions, underlining the focus on sustaining basic governance needs.
The legislative session also included discussion on proposals to consider administrative restructuring, such as examining the creation of a district or sub-division for the Shillong metropolitan area. The Chief Minister noted that such decisions require detailed scrutiny to ensure they benefit governance and citizens.
These moves reflect the Meghalaya government’s attempts to balance developmental priorities with pressing legal and social challenges, as the state seeks to improve infrastructure, enforce law and order, and revisit key legislation governing residents’ safety and migration. With ongoing debate in the Assembly and engagement with central authorities, the coming weeks are likely to shape significant policy directions for the state.