Anti-influx groups vow to intensify stir over Centre’s delay to implement ILP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 4, 2020

Anti-influx groups have vowed to intensify agitations till the Centre is ready to implement the inner line permit (ILP) in the state.

This was made clear during a statewide protest called by the different NGOs under the banner of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) on Friday against the Centre’s inordinate delay to approve the ILP resolution passed by the state Assembly.

In the state capital, a sit-in-demonstration was held at the Malki ground amid tight security. Activists also demanded all 60 legislators to aggressively pursue the issue as they shouted “Go to Delhi for ILP”.

Placards displayed at the venue also read – “BJP don’t play double standard. Meghalaya BJP says yes to ILP and Central BJP say no to it. Show your true colour”, “We don’t need CAA neither special protection from you Modi ji but we need ILP in our state”

Speaking at the meeting, CoMSO chairman, Robertjune Kharjahrin said the agitation will continue till the ILP is implemented in the state.

“We would again sit for a meeting next week to announce our next course of action,” he said.

Earlier, Kharjahrin asked the 60 legislators and 3 members of parliament (MPs) of the state to stand united on the issue to ensure the long pending aspiration of the people is achieved.

“This is not the time to play politics but is the time to stand united. We (NGOs) are ready to extend our full support and cooperation if you are ready to aggressively pursue the demand with the Centre government,” he said.

Kharjahrin said just because Meghalaya is a transit state to other North eastern states, it does not mean that it no longer has the right to protection.

“Nagaland is also a transit route to Manipur yet it has implemented ILP,” he said while adding that rules can be framed to simplify for transit movement of people.