Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma reiterated that amendment of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (MRSS) Act in the form of an ordinance would not affect visitors.
The CM said amendment of the Act would also not have any adverse impact on tourism and it is only a mindset being developed in a wrong way.
The Ordinance was approved by the state Cabinet by amending the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 that seeks mandatory registration of people who come to Meghalaya.
Also read: Meghalaya governor urged to give assent to MRSS Ordinance
The Ordinance is yet to get the assent of the Governor, Tathagata Roy.
“We have sent the file to the Governor and he is examining it and we have to wait,” the chief minister said.
Asked if Ordinance would have negative impact on tourism, the chief minister said, “It will have no adverse impact on tourism. It’s only a mindset being developed in a wrong way.”
“Tourists register even now when they go to hotel. But all we are saying is register with us, and the same registration will be applicable in hotel too. So there is no impact at all, whether tourists come into the state and go to hotels,” the CM said.
“When you go to Bombay or Delhi, you also have to give your ID card. Therefore it is the same registration process, but it will be done in a centralize way, as there is option for you to register while entering the state. I don’t think there will be any impact.”
Conrad said, “Once the tourists understand what does this involve, they will be happy to register because it is for their protection also, and overall safety of the state.”