Shillong, Aug 18: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged the state government to take immediate and time-bound action on two longstanding demands — amendment of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, and implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
In a statement, CoMSO said the demands stem from concerns over indigenous rights, demographic security, land, employment, political representation and cultural identity.
On the ST Order, 1950, CoMSO said Meghalaya’s distinct constitutional and demographic position warrants urgent action. While acknowledging the government’s working group, it cautioned that committees should not become an excuse for delay. It called on the government to disclose the present status, recommendations and steps taken with the centre, and take the matter to a logical conclusion through the appropriate constitutional process.
On ILP, CoMSO reiterated its demand for immediate implementation. It clarified that ILP is not meant to block tourism, business or education, but to regulate entry and stay of outsiders with provisions for bona fide visitors.
The Assembly has already backed ILP, CoMSO noted, adding that “the time has now come to move from representations to decision and implementation.”
CoMSO demanded that the state government renew the ILP push with the centre at the highest level, seek a formal time-bound response, expedite the ST Order process, make public the current status and recommendations, and place before the people a clear roadmap with timelines for both.
“The people of Meghalaya have waited long enough,” CoMSO said, warning that continued inaction would compel it, in consultation with constituents, to consider further action to pursue the demands.
