Sixth Schedule, a strong mechanism to check influx says Syiem

“We believe by strengthening the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to empower the traditional institutions right from the hima down to the dorbar shnong level it will be a strong mechanism to check influx and illegal immigration,” PDF Chairman Pynshngain N Syiem told reporters after the party’s general conference meeting held here on Saturday.

The former Congress legislator from Mawsynram was reacting to a query as to why the PDF’s agendas for the upcoming Assembly polls, is silent with regards to the issue of influx.

It may be mentioned while the 13 pressure groups are demanding for implementation of the anti-influx comprehensive mechanism others including some of the political parties are consistently demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).

Moreover, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), a breakaway faction of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has also threatened to campaign against political parties which fails to include the ILP and other laws to check influx in their respective manifestos.

Stating that the present Mukul Sangma-led state government is batting for the entry-exit mechanism to deal with the problem of influx, Syiem however said, “Ours is going to be stronger as people who want to illegally settle in the state cannot avoid the dorbar shnong.”

Asserting that the idea of the PDF is not focus at checking of influx at the entrance, he said that if the traditional institutions are empowered, then where will people from outside get a chance to illegally settle down in the state.

Asked on the stand of the party with regards to ILP, the PDF’s chief ministerial candidate said, “We will have to examine whether implementation of the ILP is effective. If yes, then we will not hesitate to implement this law if voted to power.”

He further informed that the PDF will also adopt layers of mechanisms not only at hima and dorbar shnong level but also at the entry points adding “Because we firmly believes that the Sixth Schedule can be a strong wall to guard and protect the interest of indigenous people.”

By Our Reporter