Nongpoh, November 10: Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) president Raymond Kharjana has strongly criticised the state government over the delay in implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), particularly the proposed Facilitation Centre at Umling, revealing that even a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has yet to be prepared.
Kharjana made the statement during an inspection of the proposed site at Umling on Tuesday, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of progress despite the Chief Minister’s assurances.
The inspection was attended by KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar, Vice-President Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, North Khasi Hills District president Ferdynald Kharkamni, and other leaders and members of the union’s central and district units.
The visit followed an invitation from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi to discuss the proposed Facilitation Centre. District Magistrate Eric Dkhar, Tourism District Officer B. Nongkynrih, District Transport Officer E. Kharmon and representatives of the Ri Bhoi Police were also present.
However, Kharjana described the meeting as meaningless, pointing out that the government had not even prepared a DPR for the proposed centre. He also questioned the lack of clarity among the departments regarding which offices would be accommodated in the facility.
He said the government had assured the union that the Facilitation Centre would be established as part of its commitment to implementing the MRSSA, with the Chief Minister even promising it as a Christmas gift.
Expressing disappointment over the absence of any concrete progress, Kharjana said the union would have to reconsider its stand. He warned that if the government continued to delay the project, the KSU would not hesitate to resort to stronger forms of agitation.
He further stressed that the implementation of the MRSSA could no longer be delayed, as the issue had remained pending since 2016–2017, nearly a decade ago.
