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NGOs step up pressure for ILP regime in Meghalaya

By STAFF Correspondent - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

SHILLONG, Nov 27 - Stepping up pressure on the Meghalaya Government, a group of NGOs today hoisted black flags and banners for the alleged delay in implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the State. The NGOs under the banner of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO), put up the banners and black flags in different parts of the State capital. The CoMSO comprises 17 NGOs including Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HNAM), Hynniewtrep Youth Council and others.

The black flags were hoisted on taxis and private vehicles and the banners were put up at places like Motphran and other localities. Sensing trouble, many shopkeepers downed their shutters in the Police Bazaar area. It may be mentioned here that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently approached the Union Home Ministry for implementation of the ILP system in Meghalaya. A resolution pressing for the ILP regime in the State was earlier passed by the Meghalaya Assembly. However, the Central Government has said that it is examining the matter.

The influential KSU also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking for his intervention in implementing the ILP system in Meghalaya. It also cited the resolution passed by the State Assembly in this regard.

Meanwhile, HNAM president Lamphrang Kharbani said that the Centre should respect the resolution passed by the State Assembly which seeks implementation of the ILP regime in Meghalaya.

�The Centre should respect the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Meghalaya and implement the ILP system in the State,� Kharbani maintained. He said that if the Centre can implement the ILP regime in Manipur, it can do the same in Meghalaya.

Kharbani said all the 60 MLAs in the State should collectively demand of the Centre to implement the ILP system. The HNAM president added that the two State BJP MLAs � AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai � should seek their party�s help in implementing the ILP system.

He said that the black flags and banners were hoisted as a reminder to the Centre that the people of Meghalaya are awaiting the implementation of the ILP system. �If the Government does not respond to our demand, we will intensify our agitation after December 4,� the HNAM president warned.