Shillong, June 3: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong has stated that the upcoming visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Shillong for the North Eastern Council Plenary Session presents a key opportunity for the state government to raise important demands with the Centre.

Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said the Meghalaya Government will once again push for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

He described both issues as top priorities for the people of Meghalaya, noting that the government has repeatedly taken up these demands with the Union Government and will continue to do so during the NEC meeting.

On the question of railway connectivity, the Deputy Chief Minister said the state is currently focusing on ILP and language recognition, adding that discussions on railway projects can be taken up at a later stage once concerns regarding protection of indigenous interests are addressed.

“From our side, the first priority at this moment is the ILP and the Eighth Schedule. If these demands are fulfilled, other issues such as the railway can be discussed later,” he said.

Tynsong further said that while the NEC Plenary is primarily aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and development in the Northeast, Meghalaya will use the platform to strongly present its core concerns before the Central Government.

He added that the state remains committed to balancing development needs with the protection of indigenous rights and cultural identity.