Meghalaya mulls mandatory registration for tourists after Indore murder case

In the wake of the recent murder of Raja Raghuvanshi in Shillong, the Meghalaya government is considering revising the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to tighten monitoring of non-residents, including tourists.

Addressing the media, Cabinet Minister Alexander Laloo Hek said, “Yesterday, we had a cabinet meeting where we discussed the recent murder case, and a very important decision was taken — that we need to revisit the MRSSA. It is crucial to monitor who is coming from outside, especially tourists.”

He further stated that under the revised framework, tourists and other visitors staying in hotels, guest houses, or any temporary accommodations may be required to register themselves upon arrival. This move, the government believes, will help improve tracking mechanisms and strengthen public safety in the state.

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The MRSSA, enacted in 2016, was originally designed to address concerns over illegal immigration and unregulated influx into tribal areas. However, its enforcement and scope have faced challenges and criticism, including concerns about privacy and implementation.

The murder case, which shocked the city and raised questions about security measures, appears to have renewed political urgency to amend and enforce safety protocols more rigorously.

Further details on the proposed changes to the Act are expected in the coming days as discussions within the cabinet continue.