13 Organizations Demand Inner Line Permit (ILP), Oppose Move To Amend Act

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The 13 social organizations that are spearheading the anti-influx movement in the State have expressed their absolute displeasure over the State Government's move to amend the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016, even as they vowed to rake up the issue to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State.

The MRSSA was introduced to check influx into the State, yet the rules have not been framed till date. After learning that the present dispensation is preparing to bring in another amendment in the State Legislative Assembly by Friday, the delegation of 13 organizations met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday to discuss the issue. After the meeting, president of the influential Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Lambok Marngar told newsmen that they were surprised to learn that the State government is contemplating on bringing in an amendment to a pending legislation that has not yet seen the light of the day since 2016. “In our meeting, the Chief Minister said that they wanted our suggestions. But how can we swiftly provide our opinions in such a short timeperiod?” Marngar quipped.

Meanwhile, president of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Welberth Ranee cautioned the government that their (13 organisations) demand for introduction of the ILP is not over. “Our stand is clear. If the Government tries to bring in an amendment to a legislation that has not been implemented, we will resort to our own course of action,” Ranee said. He added that they were taken aback to have learnt about the proposed amendment to the law without notifying them.

“Till today, we have not been enlightened on whether they will amend the principal Act or the rules and this is not acceptable to us,” Ranee stated, adding, “As desired we will submit our proposals; but we will never accept the Government's proposals that is not in sync with our demand to have a tough mechanism to check influx.”

Also Read: Supreme Court Rejects PIL Challenging Law Mandating Inner Line Permit

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