Meghalaya Opposition asks govt status of ILP Resolution passed in 2019

Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday informed that the government took multiple steps to improve the system to monitor the inflow and outflow of people entering the state.

Sangma, reacting to a short duration discussion tabled by MLA Mayralborn Syiem, said that not every person entering Meghalaya are illegal immigrants.

“Not all hundred people entering the state are coming in with the wrong intention. Therefore, we need to be careful that in the process of finding out one or two who are, the other 99% should not suffer,” said Sangma.

To a query made by Congress MLA George Lyngdoh on the status of Inner Line Permit after the resolution was passed. To this Sangma said, “ILP issue we are all aware of how it had has been affecting our state, and so many years there has been a push in demand. Post the resolution being forwarded to Government of India I have personally met the minister and also a delegation met the minister.”

Sangma informed that the Government of India will examine the matter and did not get clear directions as to where this will go and that GoI will let them know.

Also Read: Meghalaya: ‘No-Confidence Motion’ against Conrad Sangma’s government fails

Concerning the MRSSA amendment, Sangma informed that once done it was forwarded to the Governor for assent.

He added that with the new Governor in place, they have recently received his comments and suggestions. The government is currently examining the comments and suggestions so that they can decide on how to move forward.

Syiem had also questioned Sangma on the facilitation centre setup and the proximity of it away from the border. Sangma responded that the government is working hard to complete construction of the Umling facilitation centre by November 2020.

“The aspect of land being closer to the border in Ri-Bhoi district, I think we’re aware that most of the land all the way to Umling is steep, and the terrain is difficult. It was logical to go for land which was plainer and owned by govt. With that cost on land acquisition and time was not there. So keeping all these aspects time, cost, feasibility and urgency we decide to chose Umling,” said Sangma.