CoHSO to pressurise MDA govt to implement ILP system

Shillong Feb 4: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisations (CoHSO), a conglomerate of 14 pro-ILP groups has decided to put more pressure on the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to curb infux.

The Confederation also refused to accept the suggestion of KHADC chief executive member, HS Shylla that CoHSO should field a candidate who will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Shillong Parliamentary Constituency.

On January 31, Shylla proposed that CoHSO should select a candidate for the Lok Sabha polls while speaking at the massive public rally at Students’ Field, Jaïaw to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill and demand for the implementation of ILP.

CoHSO chairman and president of HYC, Robertjune Kharjahrin said that the confederation was ready to welcome any law of the state which has the provisions of the ILP by deriving from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

Kharjahrin said, the Confederation would write to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma to seek his intervention on the urgency to implement ILP, besides seeking the support of all 36 MLAs from Khasi and Jaintia Hills and all political parties including the opposition Congress.

CoHSO will also call a meeting with all heads of traditional institutions and NGOs on Saturday to take a united stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill and to demand the implementation of ILP.

“If the state government does not pay heed to the demand, we will launch indefinite agitations which are surprising in nature. Whether the CAB is passed or not, we will continue to fight till the ILP is implemented in the state,” he said.

According to him, it would only reflect that the present MDA government is adopting a “double standard” policy if on one hand opposes the CAB, but on the other hand it is reluctant to implement the ILP.

“The confederation is willing to accept any law which is having the important provisions of the Inner Line Permit. The provisions include those that prohibit entry of outsiders without permission, punishment of those who entertainment without such permission and to prevent permanent settlement,” Kharjahrin said.

The HYC leader pointed out that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act passed by the state government in 2016 remained silent on these matters, adding that, the entry-exit points cannot be taken as an alternative to ILP.

The CoHSO hoped that the government which is proposing to review this Act would consider the need to incorporate the spirit of ILP.

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