The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has expressed its concern over the statement by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma that the central government is still examining the resolution passed by the Meghalaya Assembly in favour of the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
“The resolution is only two pages. One Christmas has gone, another one is soon coming and the central government has no time to consider the issue which is the thirst of the people of the state to get an act which will protect the indigenous people,” CoMSO chairman Robertjune Kharjahrin said.
The resolution for ILP was passed by the Assembly unanimously in December 2019 following anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests.
Kharjahrin said that the step motherly attitude of the Centre towards the state and the government’s silence to whatever the BJP leaders from Delhi say cannot be tolerated anymore.
“We have been patient hoping that the state government will fight for ILP in Delhi. However, it seems like we need to come back to the streets to demand ILP,” the CoMSO Chairman said ominously.
CoMSO also expressed concern that the amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) was sent back by the Governor to the government with his suggestions.
“Does not the state government have experts to examine the bill, to be schooled by a Governor? We immediately demand that the state government send back the MRSSA amendment bill to the Governor (through an ordinance or a Special Session) so that he signs it without delay,” Kharjahrin said.