Shillong Jan 31: Over 40 thousands joined the assembly of Hynñiewtrep people at Students’ Field, Jaïaw here on Thursday as strong voice rose from the ground “no Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), yes Inner Line Permit (ILP),” sending a strong message to both the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in the state.

People from across Khasi and Jai̱tia hills converged at the ground for twin purposes Рto protest against the NDA government over its move to implement the CAB and to demand from the NPP-led MDA government to implement the ILP to tackle influx problem.

The rally began with a procession where thousands marched from Jaïaw Lumpyllon to Students’ Field. Crowds displayed placards and shouted slogans against the NDA government for its move to implement the CAB and demanded from the MDA government to implement the ILP.

Speakers at the massive rally which was organized by 14 organisations under the umbrella of Confederation of Hynñiewtrep Social Organizations (CoHSO) feared that the CAB would became an act since the BJP-led NDA government was determined to get the Bill passed in Rajya Sabha.

CoHSO chairman, Robertjune Kharjahrin also announced the resolution “no CAB, yes ILP” at the rally as thousands of people shouted in support of the resolution.

Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), H.S. Shylla in his speech hit out at the NPP-led MDA government for not approving various bills passed by the Council including a law related to the implementation of ILP that can protect the indigenous people in the state.

Shylla also served a one-week ultimatum to the MDA government to implement ILP and get the assent of Governor to all the bills passed by the Council.

“The only law that can protect the indigenous people is ILP,” Shylla said.

UDP leader and former minister, Paul Lyngdoh also said that the issue related to the CAB should be taken up at the international level by seeking the intervention of the Union Nations.