Staff Reporter
Shillong, June 17: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister A.L. Hek today said the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016 remains one of the most effective mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of tourists and visitors entering the state

Speaking to reporters, Hek stated that the Act empowers the dorbar shnongs (traditional local councils) to mandate the registration of individuals residing in their localities. This, he said, allows them to work in coordination with the police to safeguard both citizens and visitors.

“If the Act is implemented fully, setting up entry and exit points may not even be necessary,” Hek said.

Calling MRSSA “very effective,” the minister noted that while some trial and error may occur in the process, the mechanism is already in place and should be put to use. “Why not make full use of it?” he remarked.

In light of the recent murder of a tourist from Indore in Sohra, the state government has resolved to revisit and strengthen the MRSSA to better prevent criminal elements from entering Meghalaya.

Hek also expressed satisfaction with the completion of the crime scene reconstruction in the case and recalled that he was the first cabinet minister to visit Sohra after receiving word of the missing Indore couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi.

“I went there upon receiving information and a request from my colleagues in Indore, Madhya Pradesh,” he said.

The minister commended the Meghalaya police and others involved in the search and recovery efforts. He urged the government to officially recognize those individuals who contributed voluntarily.

“A good friend of mine, Sagar Sharma, a young and energetic resident of my constituency, along with his team, participated in the search operation after taking permission. People like him deserve recognition. There were many others involved, and the government should extend a token of appreciation for their efforts,” Hek said.

He further acknowledged the need to provide the state police with improved equipment and resources to strengthen future search and rescue operations.

…