Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to grant either Indian citizenship or a long-term visa to an 80-year-old Catholic priest serving in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, citing humanitarian grounds and the clergyman’s longstanding work in the state’s remote communities. Sangma said Shah responded “positively,” assuring that a 10-year visa will be issued so the priest can avoid the burden of annual renewals while his citizenship application remains under consideration.

Sangma framed the appeal as a practical reform to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for bona fide religious and humanitarian workers who have contributed to Meghalaya’s social fabric for decades. Church leaders—including the Archbishop and the priest—welcomed the development, which could serve as a template for extending 5–10 year visas to similarly placed clergy engaged in education, health, and community outreach across difficult terrain.

The unnamed priest has served the Nongstoin area for several decades, with officials confirming his citizenship application remains under examination. Nongstoin is the seat of a Catholic diocese established in 2006, reflecting a deep local presence of the Church in West Khasi Hills and adjoining districts. Meghalaya has a long association with the Salesians of Don Bosco and other religious orders whose schools and social programs have shaped human development outcomes in the state’s rural belts.

Also Read: Amit Shah Slams Opposition in Bihar Over Voter Roll Purge

Sangma also flagged preparations to facilitate the smooth entry of the Rector Major—the global head of the Salesians of Don Bosco—for an upcoming visit, coordinating with the MHA and MEA following past anxieties over senior religious figures’ entry despite valid visas. The Salesians’ top leadership has periodically visited Northeast India for major ecclesial milestones and youth engagements, underscoring sustained ties with Meghalaya’s institutions.

Sangma described Shah’s stance as encouraging and relayed that a 10-year visa solution would end the cycle of yearly renewals for the octogenarian priest, easing pressure on both the individual and administrative systems. He added that church leaders expressed gratitude for the intervention and supported longer-term visas for genuine humanitarian and religious work.

The move aligns with Meghalaya’s pattern of partnering with church-run institutions that deliver education, skills, and social services, including international youth programs facilitated alongside the Salesians earlier this year. In districts like West Khasi Hills, these networks have long acted as critical service providers in challenging geographies. Observers note this could lead to broader policy changes, such as formal issuance of the promised 10-year visa, timelines on the pending citizenship application, and potential Centre guidelines for long-serving foreign clergy in India.

Also Read: Eknath Shinde Backs NDA for Vice-Presidential Poll