BJP to seek HM’s intervention on ILP, other issues

The BJP in Meghalaya has decided to take up with the union home minister Amit Shah in regards to the pending issues of the state which include implementation of the inner line permit (ILP) to check unabated influx into the state.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek said, “I am planning to call his (Shah) office if possible to meet him with our BJP leaders.”

“The resolution is there. We will request the union home minister to include Khasi and Garo language in the Eighth Schedule,” he said.

Asked on the ILP resolution passed by the Meghalaya Assembly, Hek said, “There are so many things to do for the country, so many things to do for the state of Meghalaya before taking decision they also have to understand pros and cons whether it is beneficial or not for the state. This is important to discuss. (Therefore), we will discuss with the home minister when he comes to Meghalaya whether we need or not ILP.”

Further, Hek said that the party would also request the home minister to grant special schemes for promotion of tourism in Meghalaya.

“A memorandum will (also) be submitted by the government. The CM will present. Definitely, we will discuss the development of Meghalaya. Whatever schemes are sent by Meghalaya through the tourism department, we will request the home minister through NEC to help for the promotion of NE particularly Meghalaya.”

Earlier, BJP chief spokesperson M Kharkrang said, “Our minister (AL Hek) is seeking an appointment (with the home minister) and we will definitely take up some matters of concern in the state, which have been pending for quite sometime and we hope that we get an appointment.”

He said ILP is one of the issues to be taken up by the party.

Shah will be arriving in Shillong on Thursday as part of his two-day visit to the state. He will chair the plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) on January 19.

To a question, Kharkrang said, “It will be easier for such issues to be taken up if the candidates are belonging to the party. If you are in the party, if the party is pushing such issues, definitely Delhi will listen, we cannot deny that fact.”