Shillong,April 12: Empowering the people of the indigenous community and preventing influx into Meghalaya, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) on Tuesday has launched a movement on” socio-economic movement”.
“The socio-economic movement is a people’s movement and is a new way of tackling the problem of influx in the state,” FKJGP chief Wellbirth Rani said after the meeting held at Dinam Hall, Jaiaw.
The FKJGP is one of the pressure groups in the state which has been demanding implementation of the comprehensive mechanism to check influx and illegal immigration into the state. He also asserts that if the movement is successful the state no longer needs to demand even the inner line permit (ILP).
Earlier in his address, Rani said the fight against influx has been going on for the past few decades since 1979 but yet we forget to diagnose the source of the problem (influx).He observed that the time has come for the people of the indigenous community to realize the “mistake” which he cited an example of giving rent to outsiders and allowing them to capture trades which tribal are capable to work. If there is no one willing to give rent at high prices, we may not need to put the entry/exit points, he said.
Emphasizing on the need to understand the importance of dignity of labour, he said that it is time for our own people to start creating their own employment. Echoing similar views, FKJGP general secretary D Khongsit said that if the indigenous community do not work hard then it would be pointless to only have laws in place. Meanwhile, a book entitled ‘Ka Jingkieng Diengjri’ was also released by noted Khasi entrepreneur Honsen Lyngdoh during the meeting held at Dinam Hall, Jaiaw in the presence of two ex-presidents – Emlang Lytan and Joe Marwein. This book which literally means ‘The Living Root Bridge’ reflects the main goals that the federation aims to achieve through the movement which is to awaken the tribal people from their slumber.