MDA Cabinet approves ILP resolution

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 17, 2019

SHILLONG: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the government resolution for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 to check influx and illegal immigration into the state.

“The cabinet has unanimously decided to approve the resolution to implement ILP in the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873,” chief minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters after the meeting here.

He informed that the government resolution will be taken up during the special session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to be held on December 19.

The decision also came following growing protest against the passage of the amended Citizenship Act.

Earlier last week, a delegation of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government had also urged the union home minister Amit Shah to implement the ILP in the state during a meeting held in New Delhi.

Shah has assured the delegation to examine the matter at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress has decided to change its mind by supporting the demand for ILP citing that the passing of the CAA has changed the situation.

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma had said, “Implementation of the ILP in addition to the MRSSA will help the state.”

According to him, MRSSA was designed in such a way that it can complement the provisions of the ILP. “It is design to deal with complete honesty and commitment of protecting the people and the state,” Mukul had stated.

Earlier, a rally by a crowd of nearly a lakh people on Friday turned ugly as protesters and the police clashed in front of the Raj Bhavan forcing the police to resort to lathi charge and firing tear gas leaving several persons including police personnel injured in the incident.

The protesters were demanding the Governor to give his assent to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security that seeks mandatory registration of outsiders entering the state and at the same time for the Centre to implement the Inner Line Permit in the state.

The decision to bring in the resolution also came following the demand from the four pressure groups – Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF).

The pressure groups have also warned that they will be compelled to pick up all 60 MLAs from their respective residences and escort them to the Assembly for passing the resolution, if the state government fails to pay heed to their demand.