Shillong, Jul 29: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has said that the steps taken by the Assam government to evict illegal settlers should be replicated by Meghalaya.
“It is not that one is trying to show power. But if there are illegal settlers the government has the right to do what it is mandated of,” KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said.
He expressed concern over the influx of illegal immigrants into Meghalaya even as he pointed out that Assam is being aggressive against such people by evicting such individuals, who are now trying to enter Nagaland, a state with Inner Liner Permit (ILP).
“But the question is our state does not have any laws which will protect the indigenous people and a disaster is awaiting our people,” he said.
Marngar said that the union has been pushing hard to impress upon the government on the need to implement strong laws and other mechanisms like ILP, which the state must pursue with the centre.
The KSU president said that if there are no protective laws, tragedy awaits the indigenous people.
He said the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) will be toothless if there are no checkpoints. He said that without entry points, it would be difficult to identify for what purpose a person enters the state.
Marngar slammed the government stating it failed to implement its order directing deputy commissioners to strengthen vigilance and security after Assam’s eviction drive. He stated pressure groups are detaining illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, on the statement of Cabinet Minister, Kyrmen Shylla that legal safeguards are in place to protect the rights and land of the indigenous people, the KSU chief questioned what will today’s legislators do (for the indigenous people).
According to Marngar, the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act and Sixth Schedule were enacted by past leaders.“They have done their part. So will they be satisfied by speaking of the past or will they bring new laws which are stronger. The more mechanisms to protect the indigenous people the safer we are,” he said.
He urged the Cabinet Minister to pay attention in legislating new laws and get ILP implemented for him to be regarded as a “lawmaker” for the future generations to appreciate.
