SHILLONG, Nov 25 - Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said that the State Government�s priority is to protect the indigenous people from influx and several mechanisms including the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system are options in this regard.
Although the Centre did not give any assurance to the State Government on implementation of the ILP system during Sangma�s recent visit to New Delhi, the Chief Minister stated that the ILP is just one of the options out of several others at hand.
Sangma had held discussions with the Union Home Ministry on the implementation of the ILP system in the State.
Several NGOs in Meghalaya have been demanding implementation of the ILP system to check influx. These organisations fear that entry of illegal migrants into the State will threaten the microscopic indigenous communities.
The Khasi Students� Union recently sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s intervention for implementation of the ILP system in Meghalaya. The Meghalaya Assembly had earlier passed a resolution, urging the Centre to implement the ILP system in the State.
Citing the resolution, Sangma reaffirmed that the State legislature is firmly behind the idea of implementing the ILP system in the State, and that the matter is now pending with the Union Home Ministry.
He added that the State Government is periodically pursuing the issue with the Union Home Ministry, seeking its approval for implementation of the ILP system. The Union Home Minister is still examining the matter, Sangma said.
The State Government is aware of the concerns of the NGOs over influx, the Chief Minister said, adding that the ILP should not be made an issue as there are other mechanisms to curb influx.
�We will do what is best for the interest of our people,� Sangma said. Agartala 28.5 14.0
