Meghalaya: ‘No ILP, No Rest’ chants reverberate across state
SHILLONG | April 23, 2019:
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisation (C0MSO), a conglomeration of the various social organisations in the State, has reiterated their demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the entire state.
COMSO said that the NPP led MDA Government should come out clear on its stand on the implementation of the provisions of the ILP as per the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873.
"We are confused at the moment due to the contracting statements made by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong. On one hand, Chief Minister stated that ILP should not be made an issue. On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister is saying that the Government is ready to incorporate the provisions of ILP in the proposed amendment of the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, 2016," HYC general secretary Roy Kupar Synrem told newsmen during the black flag protest of CoMSO which was held across the State to oppose the State Government's delay in implementing ILP in the State.
He said that the social organizations are not bothered whether the Government is contemplating to implement the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873 or is thinking of strengthening the existing MRS&SA, 2016 through an amendment.
"Our main concern is that the major provisions of the ILP should be made applicable in the State," he said while adding that they would not accept any legislation adopted by the Government unless the spirit of ILP is incorporated in any law which the Government intends to implement in the State.
He further urged the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of the MDA partners and also of the Cabinet to decide whether or not they are going to implement ILP like provisions in the State.
The HYC general secretary also asked that the regional parties to come out clear on their stand regarding the implementation of ILP in the State.
Synrem said that all the regional parties including the UDP, PDF and HSPDP had fought the Assembly and the district council elections on the issue of ILP.
He said that the PDF MLA and Cabinet Minister, Hamletson Dohling had made a commitment that he would raise the issue of ILP in the Cabinet.
"But one year has gone, yet nothing has happened. It is high time that Dohling should raise the issue of ILP in the Cabinet," HYC general secretary added.
