SHILLONG, April 23 - A �black flag day� was today observed in the Meghalaya capital and other districts of the State by an NGO demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the State.
As part of the protest, the NGO � Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) � hoisted black flags at various places here and in other districts of the State.
The CoMSO said it held the protest as the State Government has failed to respond to its demand to implement the ILP system to check influx into the State.
Members of the CoMSO � a conglomerate of several organisations � marched through the streets and put up black flags near buildings, shops and vehicles.
The members of the organisation also pinned black badges on individuals and sought their support to implement the ILP system in the State.
The organisation leaders said that the black flag protest was held as the Government has remained non-responsive to their demand. They argued that the ILP is the best way to prevent entry of illegal migrants into the State, although the Government has other plans to check influx.
As part of the Government�s effort, entry and exit check gates are going to be erected across the State where those entering the State would have to prove their credentials.
These entry-exit points will also have other facilities like coffee stores and tourist amenities which, the Government said, would help tourists and other individuals entering the State.
As many as 41 locations have been identified around the State where these check gates would be set up. In some of these areas, work has been at an advanced stage, but in some areas there are issues of land acquisition, manpower and finance.
Meanwhile, the CoMSO leaders today said it would soon announce other forms of protest to exert pressure on the Government to implement its demand.
Another organisation � the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) � has set a May deadline to the Government for setting up the entry-exit points in the State to check influx.
