Mawlai MLA Process T Sawkmie has suggested that the Meghalaya government take stronger steps in order to secure the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the Centre.
The Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in favour of ILP in December 2019 in order to appease the public who were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Sawkmie reminded the house that Manipur, which was granted ILP by the central government at around the same time, had passed a resolution in favour of ILP three times before it was granted and this could be an option for Meghalaya to follow as well.
He also said that the state government could appoint a senior minister, senior officials or the three MPs from Meghalaya to lead the engagement with the Centre on the subject.
In response to Sawkmie, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that he has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs about ILP twice and also submitted a memorandum on the subject during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Shillong last year. He described the 2019 resolution as the “most serious step we have taken till date to show our concern and stand on ILP.”
“The issue of ILP is a major concern for the citizens of the state. Since the matter is more than two years old, it would be right if the government brings back a resolution to remind the GOI (Indian government) of the demand to implement ILP,” Sawkmie said.
