Shillong, July 17: The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has expressed confidence that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government would soon implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to check influx and illegal immigration into the state.

“It is only a matter of time that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will be passing the ILP,” HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said while addressing on the occasion to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Council here on Wednesday.

The HYC, a breakaway faction of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), was formed on July 17, 2014 following the 13 NGOs’ decision to demand implementation of “comprehensive mechanisms” instead of the ILP.

On the occasion, the HYC paid rich tribute to the Khasi warrior, U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 184th death anniversary.

Kharjahrin also claimed that the state government had on several occasions invited the organization for taking its views and suggestions on the ILP adding “This in itself is already a victory as we have not given up on our demand.”

He further stated that even the NGOs which are demanding implementation of the comprehensive mechanisms are now maintaining that they have not at all abandoned the demand for ILP.

“Just because we want ILP it does not mean that we are racist, but it is all about protecting the indigenous community,” Kharjahrin said adding “Even if ILP is implemented, yet there is still a lot to be done.”

Stating that the HYC was formed by former leaders of the KSU, he said the HYC will always remember the selfless contributions made by former leaders of the KSU like Bull Lyngdoh. “It is high time that we set aside differences and work together in the interest of the state,” he added.

Meanwhile, a website of the HYC was also launched by the KHADC executive member in charge Trade, Paul Lyngdoh, who was also the KSU leader while EM in charge Labour, Teiborlang Pathaw released the HYC song.

In his address, Paul Lyngdoh asserted that to protect the indigenous community it does not depend on the quantity. “The fight for survival largely depends on quality,” he stated.