The Sur U Paidbah Bri Hynniewtrep (SUPBH) has expressed shock and disappointment over a recent statement made by MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh on the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Lyngdoh described the ILP as one that emerged from the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, which was framed by colonial rulers.
Thomas Passah, spokesperson for the SUPBH, pointed out the contradiction in Lyngdoh’s stance, noting that he was one of the key proponents of the ILP demand since the formation of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM).
“How can a leader who called for ILP earlier now say these words?” Passah questioned.
Passah emphasized the significance of the ILP in protecting the tribal identity of the people of Meghalaya, citing examples of other states that have successfully implemented the permit system.
“Other states which have the ILP have been able to protect their tribal identity, so we want the same,” he said.
The SUPBH believes that the ILP is crucial in preventing foreign infiltration, which could endanger the future generation of indigenous people in Shillong.
Rastingwell Thabah, advisor for the SUPBH, questioned the UDP’s inconsistency on the ILP issue.
“During the elections, the UDP put the ILP first, but now that the speech has come out from its minister, the UDP has something to answer now,” Thabah said.
He urged the government not to play with this issue, which was passed by 60 MLAs in the Legislative Assembly in 2019.
The SUPBH is expecting a clear response from the government on its stance regarding the ILP.
Passah asked, “If the State Government has this attitude, how can the Indian Government grant the ILP?”
The organization demands that the government prioritize the implementation of the ILP to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
