ILP demand gains momentum

SHILLONG, JULY 26: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today put up black flags in front of the residences of the chief minister and his ministers as part of its protest for immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx into the state.

The black flag protest – which is the first phase of agitation announced by the HYC last week after the Mukul led government turned down its invitation for discussion on the 14-point of demands – started here in the city on Wednesday.

Soon after they gathered at Motphran area, activists of the HYC marched towards Mawkhar and put up black banner with pro-ILP and anti-government slogans at the gate of the residence of the health minister Roshan Warjri.

Later, the protesters proceeded to the official residence of the chief minister Mukul Sangma at Polo and hanged similar banners and black flags infront of his home.

“The conscience of the ministers have died because for the love of power”, “Save Hynniewtrep Land. Implement ILP system in Hynniewtrep Land”, “We are mentally and physically prepared to demand till we get ILP. We will not retreat” – were some of the slogans written on such banners.

Earlier on reaching the place, security personnel were seen preventing the HYC leaders from hanging banners at the entrance gate of the CM’s official residence but however were allowed to do the same opposite the mansion.

Similar banners were also put up in front of the residences of Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal and Minister in-charge PWD (building) Ampareen Lyngdoh at Laitumkhrah area.

In Motphran and other parts of the city, people including market goers and taxi drivers were also seen being pinned with black flags by the pro-ILP activists.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the protest, HYC assistant general secretary Rhembor G Saibon said, “Today’s agitation (black flag) marks the beginning of our protest against the government’s adamant attitude towards our 14-point of demands to protect the indigenous land from the unregulated influx that is coming to the state, submitted earlier on February, this year.”

Stating that the black flag protest was organized not to mourn the death of some persons, he however said, “But it is to express our sorrow to the fact that the conscience of our chief minister and ministers have died towards the people of the state.”

Maintaining that the HYC will continue in its fight to protect the interest of the indigenous community, Saibon said we believe that only the ILP can help us protect our land which has been suffering from the problem of influx all these years.

“We do not want Meghalaya to become another state of Assam, Tripura and Sikkim which have been inflicted by influx,” he added.

On the other hand, the HYC leader however admitted the need for implementing other laws like the Land Transfer Act and Prohibition of Benami Transaction,

“But these in their present form are weak laws without teeth and they need to be further strengthened,” he asserted.

Earlier, HYC activists and police engaged in heated argument when two HYC members were apprehended and taken to Sadar police station here for putting up banners and black flags at Khyndai Lad area here.

Police accused them of violating one of the conditions laid down by the district magistrate, and charged them of taking out a foot march in the area while pasting posters and banners.

The activists were however released unconditionally after half an hour.

Condemning police action, HYC vice-president, Donboklang Kharlyngdoh said,​”We are holding peaceful protest and police should stop provoking us. Our members had only hanged banners to enlighten the people on ILP.”

Notably, the HYC has outrightly rejected the comprehensive mechanism proposed by the state government based on the growing demand of the 13 pressure groups, which earlier were hell bent on implementation of the ILP system.

The setting up of entry/exit points to check influx as mandated by the Meghalaya Residents Security and Safety Act, 2016, according to the HYC has ‘zero say’ on immigrants and ‘zero protection’ for indigenous people.

Today’s agitation will be followed by a sit-in-demonstration at the parking lot near the Additional Secretariat tomorrow. Effigies of the chief minister and his ministers will also be burnt by the protesters.

Asked on the invitation to all MLAs of the ruling government for discussion on Saturday, Saibon said they are yet to get any positive response from the MLAs concerned. He however said if they (MLAs) still have concern for the people of the state they will turn up for the discussion because the HYC is demanding for  strong laws that will protect the future generation of the state.