Shillong: In an attempt to condemn the Centre's attitude to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) demand, the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) on Thursday announced that massive protests will be launched in the state in New Year if their demands are not attended to immediately. The groups declared this on a protest event held in Shillong on Thursday.
The threats of massive state-wide agitation from CoMSO and other anti-influx groups come as they commemorate the 158th birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah on Wednesday.
Reportedly, the anti-influx groups launched a torch rally in Shillong on Thursday and marched in large numbers from Mawlai to Motphran in an attempt to register their disapproval on the Centre's indifferent attitude.
Members of the groups said that their protests in demand for ILP implementation will continue and even intensify unless and until the Centre gives its nod to the ILP system which, in their view, will protect the indigenous populations from illegal immigrants.
CoMSO Secretary Roykupar Synrem stated that the Central government has failed to respect the decision of the 60 MLAs of Meghalaya by delaying their approval to the resolution on ILP implementation. Notably, the resolution was passed by the MLAs in the State Assembly last year.
Stating that they will not rest until ILP was achieved, Synrem also mentioned that they will fight until the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is implemented is implemented too.
Synrem further reminded the 60 MLAs, 3 MPs and 90 MDCs of the state that the reason why they are in their respective positions is because of the mandate given by Meghalaya's people. Therefore if these political leaders fail to do their bit in ensuring ILP implementation for the best interests of the people, then each member of the society must take to the streets to voice their protest until their common goal was achieved.
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