The Khasi Students Union (KSU) today erected another check gate at Umkiang in East Jaiñtia Hills district and conducted its own drive yet again to prevent entry of “outsiders” into the State.
This is the third such check gate raised by the KSU, the first in Pahammawlein village along the National Highway 6 in Ri Bhoi district and in Athiabari under West Khasi Hills district.
The pressure group has been demanding the government to implement the inner line permit (ILP) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety & Security Act.
The Meghalaya Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to consider extending the implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya in 2019 and it is awaiting the government’s nod.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had returned the MRSSA (Amendment) Bill 2020 to the State government with certain observations.
The KSU is adamant about pushing back migrant workers without ‘work permit’ from the State stating it is one of its “social duties” to protect the indigenous community from illegal influx.
The Chief Minister has already described the checking of labourers’ documents by non-state actors as illegal but the KSU has continued regardless, arguing that the state government is not doing its job.
Police have rarely intervened directly in any of these incidents but have filed cases and summoned several leaders of the KSU.
