Meghalaya: UDP urges HM Amit Shah to implement ILP
Shillong, Aug 12
The United Democratic Party has urged the Centre to expedite the implementation of the Inner Line Permit system in Meghalaya, arguing that existing safeguards are no longer sufficient to protect the state's indigenous population from demographic and socio‑economic pressures.
A UDP delegation led by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and raised the ILP demand along with several other long‑pending issues concerning Meghalaya. Rymbui said the ILP proposal was discussed in detail during the meeting. Still, the Centre indicated that the matter would require examination as it has implications for other states as well.
"We have discussed the ILP resolution. He said this has to be studied as it involves different states. We are not isolated. We will raise the issue from time to time," Rymbui told reporters on Wednesday.
The UDP leader said Meghalaya already has safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and the Land Transfer Act, but argued that additional legal mechanisms are required to protect the interests of indigenous communities.
"With time, we realised we need more laws to protect the indigenous people of the state," he said.
The delegation also sought early clearance of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which was passed by the state Assembly and subsequently referred by the Governor to the Union Home Ministry. Rymbui said Shah informed the delegation that there were "two or three points" that Meghalaya needed to address before the Centre could consider approval.
Another key demand was the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Rymbui said Shah indicated that the process was underway and asked the state to remain patient.
The UDP also raised the long‑pending relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, saying the state requires allotment of defence land for the project.
On minority rights, the delegation sought legal recognition for indigenous faiths such as Niam Khasi and Niamtre, arguing that followers of traditional faiths should also receive minority‑related benefits.
The party further sought central assistance for Meghalaya's state university, changes in recruitment norms for 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and a new national highway along the international border from Mahendraganj through Baghmara and Ranikor.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an outsider looking in, I can see why ILP matters for Meghalaya. But shouldn't we also focus on economic development rather than just restrictions? A balanced approach could help both the locals and those wanting to work there.
The demand for Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule is long overdue. These languages have rich literary traditions and deserve constitutional recognition. Good to see the Home Minister is working on it, though we need concrete timelines, not just "process underway."
While I understand the concerns about indigenous population protection, ILP might feel exclusionary to other Indians. We need to find a middle ground that respects local sentiments while maintaining national unity. Just my two cents.
It's interesting that they're also pushing for recognition of indigenous faiths like Niam Khasi and Niamtre. These traditions have been marginalized for too long. But I wonder if the central government will actually act on this or just give verbal assurances as usual. 🤔
The demand for the new highway along the international border makes practical sense for connectivity and security. But the Harijan Colony relocation issue needs to be handled sensitively. Hope the defence land allotment gets cleared soon - those families have been waiting for decades.
K Kavya N