Centre examining resolution to implement ILP in Meghalaya: CM

Shillong: A Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, led by chief minister Conrad K Sangma, met with Union home minister in New Delhi on Thursday seeking for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state. However, as per reports, once again the talks turned out to be a failure.

The Meghalaya delegation was joined by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, sports minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, urban affairs minister Hamletson Dohling, chairman of Meghalaya Planning Board Lambor Malgniang, MLA Nujorki Sungoh (UDP), government chief whip Marcuise Mark (NPP), HSPDP representative Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and KHNAM representative Adelbert Nongrum.

Sangma on Thursday informed that Shah has assured that the government of India is examining the resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for the implementation of ILP in the state.

“MDA partners today met Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji to urge GoI to implement ILP in the State. The Hon’ble Minister has assured that GoI is examining the matter,” said Sangma.

In the 40-minute meeting on Thursday evening with Shah, the Meghalaya delegation was assured that the Centre will never allow dilution of tribal rights.

“The Constitution of India has different provisions to protect the rights of the tribals and Govt of India will never allow those rights to be diluted in any ways. If there are any measures that would tantamount to encroachment on the tribal rights, the government of India will work in coordination with Meghalaya to safeguard the interest of the people. In every possible way the central Govt will always ensure that tribal rights are protected,” said Sangma.

Apart from ILP, different pressing issues of the state including development, especially of border areas and improving the overall inland security were also discussed during the meeting.

The Meghalaya delegation expressed its satisfaction with the meeting and has informed that Govt of India has shown its serious concern for the people and they were really very positive about the outcomes.

The MDA government has been making several visit to Delhi and demanding the implementation of ILP. Like previous attempts, this has also turned out to be a failed attempt.

Meanwhile, the resolution to implement ILP was unanimously passed by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on December 19 last year.