SHILLONG, DEC 7: Anti-influx group – the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today slammed the Congress-led state government for claiming that the issue related to the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) was already resolved in the state.
“With whom you (chief minister) have resolved the issue of ILP?” HYC general secretary Robertjune Kharjahrin said while reacting to the claim of the chief minister Mukul Sangma at the sidelines of a hunger strike held here.
It may be mentioned here, Sangma while addressing at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a medical college in the city had questioned the motive behind raising the ILP issue which was discussed and resolved by the government.
Kharjahrin however said that even the 13 NGOs, who are now demanding the implementation of the comprehensive mechanism to deal with the issue of influx, are yet to abandon the issue of ILP.
Moreover, he went on to point out that political parties like Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) are also demanding ILP in their respective manifestos.
“If he (Mukul) has resolved it then why all these people are still demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state,” Kharjahrin stated.
The decision to stage the three-day hunger strike was to protest against the adamant attitude of the state government to discuss and implement the 14-point of demands which include the ILP.
Accusing the Mukul-led government for failing to come up with strong anti-influx laws, the general secretary of the Council said, “We are determine to continue to demand ILP even if a new government is formed next year.”
On the other hand, Kharjahrin said that if the CM claims to have settled the issue of the ILP then why should not he invites discussion over the 13 other points raised by the HYC.
“The points demanded also include implementation of the cut off year (for outsiders who had come and settle in the state before January 1, 1971), residential permit, voting in place of origin and others…what is his (Mukul) problem to re-discuss this issue,” he said.
On the claim that ILP would affect tourism in the state, Kharjahrin cited an example that Mawlai, a place where no non-tribal resides, witnessed increase flow of tourists to its museum and yet there has not a single incident where outsiders have been harassed in any form.
“We beg to differ with the government on this because ILP will never be a hindrance to tourism as it will only ensure outsiders do not eat political and economic rights of the indigenous people when they come to the state,” he said.
The HYC leader also accused the chief minister for attempting to tag NGOs who are demanding for ILP as those who are “breeding the seeds of hatred”.
“Even if we demand for strong effective laws to check influx into the state but it is done in a peaceful way and not to spread communal hatred like the CM have alleged,” Kharjahrin said.
Meanwhile, the HYC leader also announced that a campaign against political parties which refused to reflect the ILP and strategy to tackle the problem of influx will soon be launched by the Council.
He said the ruling Congress in the last five years have failed miserably as it has not shown any seriousness to come up with strong anti-influx mechanisms to protect the indigenous community and its people.
“Therefore, we will campaign against Congress and other political parties who are not serious on this issue. When they are not serious then why should we allow them to come to power in the state,” Kharjahrin said.
He said that the Meghalaya Resident, Safety and Security Rules, 2017 is not for protecting the indigenous community but it is to facilitate influx into the state. “We have outrightly rejected the comprehensive mechanisms of the government after studying them,” he added.
By Our Reporter
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