CoHSO demands implementation of ILP & NRC in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, JAN 24: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisations (CoHSO) has asked the MDA government to consider implementing the Inner Line Permit in the state as it is a cure to the much-opposed Citizenship Amendment Bill of the Centre.

The demand was made during a hunger strike protest staged by the leaders of the Confederation, which comprises of 14 NGOs and supported by the All Garo Hills Joint Action Committee (AGHJAC) in the state capital here on Thursday amid tight security.

The Confederation has also questioned the timing in which the BJP-led NDA government has approved the amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution alleging it to be an attempt to divert the attention of the indigenous people of the region.

“We demand the Central government to roll back its decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Bill. We also appeal to all the MPs of the Rajya Sabha to oppose this Bill,” CoHSO chairman and Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) chief Robertjune Kharjahrin said.

Kharjahrin said the decision to hold the hunger strike protest is to send a strong message to the Centre that “we the people of Meghalaya refused to become minority in our homeland.”

He said the Bill, which seeks to provide citizenship to immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, if implemented will no doubt pose serious threat to the minority population of the state and North East region as a whole.

Reiterating the demand for the NPP-led MDA government to pass an official resolution in the Assembly, the HYC leader said the Confederation also wants the state government to immediately implement the ILP and the National Register of Citizens in Meghalaya.

“The ILP is the instant cure to the CAB to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the state while the NRC will ensure flushing out those who are residing illegally in the state,” he said adding “Therefore, the state government is demanded to react by implementing the ILP if the CAB is passed by the Centre. If not, then it is as good as supporting the CAB.”

By Our Reporter