Sangma Condemns Unlawful Labourer Document Checks by Pressure Groups
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 10: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has denounced the unauthorized document checks of labourers by pressure groups in Meghalaya. He clarified that there is no provision for a work permit, but rather a registration process conducted by the Labour department for safety and record-keeping purposes. Emphasizing that no one is authorized to verify labourers’ documents, Sangma stated such actions are illegal.
Currently, pressure groups have been inspecting labourers’ documents at construction sites, often leading to the expulsion of these labourers back to their home states. These confrontations sometimes result in violence, with injuries occasionally proving fatal. Despite the government’s consistent claims of taking action, there appears to be minimal police intervention to curb these incidents.
Addressing the issue in Shillong, Sangma mentioned four cases have been filed against pressure groups recently for unlawful checks. The Khasi Students’ Union justifies these checks by citing the government’s failure to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). However, Sangma noted that ILP is not under state jurisdiction, and the MRSSA proposal, returned by the Ministry of Home Affairs with concerns, is currently under state review.
Sangma criticized pressure groups for disrupting development projects critical to the public interest. He assured that while the government is open to providing information, any law-breaking conduct, including unauthorized checks, will face appropriate legal action.
Responding to claims of government leniency towards pressure groups, Sangma highlighted that arrests have been made, albeit underreported by the media. He cited recent arrests related to a murder case, stressing the government’s firm stance.
Regarding the assault on workers at JN Stadium, Sangma, unaware of the incident, reaffirmed that those involved in such crimes would be prosecuted. He also mentioned that police and magistrates intervene during unlawful checks, instructing the groups to disperse and filing cases against them, asserting strict directives have been given to law enforcement to act against such unauthorized activities.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/11/cm-says-mda-govt-not-soft-on-pressure-groups/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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