Shillong, Nov 12: A delegation of NGOs and civil society organisations from Garo Hills, met Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar on official invitation and raised a series of pressing demands for the region, including ILP, MRSSA enforcement, border fencing compensation and inclusion of Garo language in the Eighth Schedule.
Presidents of the FKJGP Pritam Arengh, GSU Zikku Balgra N Marak, FAF Bringbal M Sangma, AWYO Sengbat Ch Marak and ADE Dalseng Bira Ch Momin were part of the delegation.
A major focus was the long-standing demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. The delegation noted past positions, including during former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma’s tenure, that ILP falls under the purview of the central government rather than the state administration.
In light of this, the representatives pressed for alternative measures, particularly stringent enforcement of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), passed in 2016, and immediate operationalisation of entry and exit checkpoints. They urged the Governor to advise the state government to ensure the rules are implemented strictly on the ground, both in letter and in spirit.
The delegation also flagged critical grievances over international border fencing in South Garo Hills. They said the fencing has left agricultural lands and properties of numerous locals stranded on the other side.
Highlighting that affected villagers frequently fail to receive adequate compensation, the representatives appealed to the Governor to intervene and facilitate appropriate relief and resolution for border residents.
The meeting also touched on the push for inclusion of Garo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, underlining its profound significance for the identity and development of the community.
