CoHSO to launch indefinite agitations on Inner Line Permit

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 4, 2019

SHILLONG: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisations (CoHSO) has decided to intensify its agitations to pressurise the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to immediately implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx into the state.

The confederation, which comprises of 14 NGOs, however maintained that it is ready to welcome any law of the state which has the provisions of the ILP, which is derived from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

After a meeting held here on Monday, CoHSO Chairman and President of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) Robertjune Kharjahrin said, “We have decided to write to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for his intervention on the urgency to implement the ILP.”

Kharjahrin said the confederation would also seek the support of all the 36 MLAs from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region and all political parties including the opposition Congress, on the matter.

He further informed that a meeting with all the traditional institutions and NGOs will also be convened on Saturday to take a united stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill and to demand ILP.

“If the state government fails to 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 at one hand it is opposing the CAB but on the other it is reluctant to implement the ILP.

Kharjahrin however said the confederation is willing to accept any law which is having the important provisions of the Inner Line Permit.

“The provisions which include to prohibit entry of outsiders without permission, punishment against those without such permission and to prevent permanent settlement can be implemented through a state law,” he said.

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

“We hope that the government which is proposing to review this Act takes into consideration of incorporating the spirit of the ILP,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kharjahrin also maintained that the social organisations under the CoHSO do not propose to set up any MP candidate as was suggested by KHADC chief HS Shylla during the massive public rally held recently in the city.