Outsiders who intend to come to Meghalaya e.g. tenants, labourers, tourists will now have to register with the government for safety and security.

It will regulate the entry and exit of the people and allowthe government to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the state.

The decision to implement the registration process was takenby the Meghalaya cabinet on Friday by amending the Meghalaya Residents Safetyand Security Act, 2016 to facilitate outsiders to registers with the stateauthorities.

"Non-tribal friends who are permanent residents of the state need not worry because the registration process is only for those who come from outside," Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.

What are the penalties for failure to register?

"Any person who fails to furnish the information will beliable for punishment under section 176/177 of the Indian Penal Code," Tynsonginformed.

Tynsong, however, said that this system is not related tothe Inner Line Permit (ILP), because the amendment was for giving more teeth tothe present act.

The proposed amendment has been approved by the statecabinet in the form of an Ordinance.