Shillong, June 13, 2025: In the wake of the recent murder of tourist Raja Raghuvanshi in Sohra (Cherrapunji), the Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to revisit and strengthen the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). The move is aimed at enhancing safety protocols and preventing criminal activities conducted under the guise of tourism.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in an official statement on social media, announced the cabinet’s decision, stating that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents while maintaining Meghalaya’s welcoming approach towards genuine tourists.
“The aim is to further strengthen the Act to better prevent criminal activities carried out under the guise of tourism,” CM Sangma said, referring to the growing concerns over misuse of tourist access to commit crimes.
The decision follows the gruesome murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a young visitor from Madhya Pradesh, whose body was recovered near a popular tourist site in Sohra earlier this month. The case, which sparked public outrage and raised questions about visitor tracking and regulation, has compelled the state to review its existing safety frameworks.
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The MRSSA, first enacted in 2016, was originally designed to protect the identity and safety of Meghalaya residents by requiring detailed documentation of non-resident tenants and travelers. However, the act has faced implementation challenges and criticism over its scope and enforcement.
With this fresh mandate from the Cabinet, officials are expected to introduce tighter regulations, improved visitor verification systems, and enhanced coordination between law enforcement and hospitality sectors.
The government emphasized that while tourism remains a cornerstone of Meghalaya’s economy, it must not come at the cost of public safety.
