Government giving false hope on ILP: Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh
A Correspondent
SHILLONG: Congress MLA from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday claimed that the government is giving false hope to the people of Meghalaya on the issue of Inner-Line Permit (ILP).
The MLA from East Shillong constituency raised the issue of delay in placing the ILP in the purview of the government of India and its subsequent approval.
“Since 19th December 2019, the people of the state had demanded that a resolution for the implementation of the ILP be brought. Until date no action has been taken,” Lyngdoh said.
She also raised the issue on CoMSO carrying out ILP drive with Police during the second day of the Budget session.
Pointing out that Manipur has also implemented the ILP, Lyngdoh questioned why the Meghalaya government was unable to do the same.
“Sixty MLAs were called to the legislative assembly on the 19th December 2019, with a promise that this resolution would be heard and made operational at the earliest but that has not materialized,” she said.
Replying to the statement, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the house passed a resolution to urge the government of India to implement ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 in the state of Meghalaya.
“The resolution was sent to the Home Minister requesting him to look into the matter. Delegation comprising of MLAs from NDA government met the Union Home Minister on the 20th February 2020. Central government has assured that the matter is being examined and that the government will not allow dilution of tribal rights,” he said.
Speaking on reports that COMSO carried out ILP drives along with police, the Chief Minister said, “It is not true that COMSO carries out ILP drive with police. There were organisations that tried to hold rallies, hold demonstrations, who tried to stop people at checks. Police and administration immediately took necessary steps to stop that. ILP drive was conducted by police.”