NewKerala.com

Key Points

VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit has strongly criticized the Meghalaya government's approach to implementing the Inner Line Permit. He claims the Assembly resolution urging ILP implementation was merely political theater without genuine intent. Basaiawmoit argues that Meghalaya could implement ILP through simple notification since it's already covered under the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation. He also warns about large-scale infiltration from neighboring Assam threatening the state's demographic balance.

Key Points: VPP Chief Basaiawmoit Slams Meghalaya ILP Resolution as Political Game

  • VPP chief says Assembly resolution for ILP was unnecessary and lacked genuine intent
  • Claims large-scale infiltration occurring in Meghalaya after Assam evictions
  • Alleges state government failing to protect demographic balance of indigenous people
  • Argues ILP could be implemented via notification under existing British-era regulation
2 min read

Meghalaya: VPP chief terms Assembly resolution on ILP a 'political game'

VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit accuses Meghalaya govt of playing political games over ILP demand, says resolution lacks genuine intent amid infiltration concerns.

"“Since Meghalaya is already covered... ILP could have been implemented simply through a notification” - Ardent Basaiawmoit"

Shillong, Sep 12

Voice of the People Party (VPP) president and MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit on Friday accused both the current and former governments in Meghalaya of playing “political games” over the demand for the Inner Line Permit (ILP), saying the resolution passed by the Assembly urging the Centre to implement ILP was never backed by genuine intent.

Speaking to reporters here, Basaiawmoit said that Meghalaya did not require an Assembly resolution for ILP implementation.

“Since Meghalaya is already covered under the preamble of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, the ILP could have been implemented simply through a notification,” he argued.

The VPP chief further claimed that large scale infiltration was taking place in different parts of Meghalaya in the aftermath of eviction drives in the neighbouring state of Assam.

He alleged that the state government was not taking adequate steps to address the situation, which, according to him, threatens the demographic balance of the state.

The demand for ILP — a British-era regulation that restricts the entry of outsiders into certain notified areas — has been a long-pending issue in Meghalaya.

In December 2019, following the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to extend ILP to the state.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has repeatedly maintained that his government remains committed to pursuing the demand. He has raised the issue on several occasions with the Union Home Ministry, arguing that ILP is essential for protecting the identity and interests of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.

However, the Central government is yet to take a final call on the matter.

While civil society groups and student bodies continue to press for ILP, critics like Basaiawmoit allege that successive governments have only used the issue for political mileage without delivering results.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Shillong, I've seen how the character of our beautiful state is changing. ILP is necessary to protect our indigenous culture and land rights. The government needs to stop playing games and take concrete steps. 🏔️
D
David E
While I understand the concerns about demographic changes, we should be careful about creating barriers within our own country. There must be a balanced approach that protects local interests while maintaining national unity.
A
Ananya R
The technical point about Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation is interesting. If it's already covered, why hasn't any government used it? This shows lack of political will. We need leaders who actually deliver, not just talk.
M
Michael C
Having visited Meghalaya multiple times, I can see why locals are concerned. The influx is real. But instead of just criticizing, opposition parties should propose concrete solutions and work across party lines on this sensitive issue.
K
Karthik V
This isn't just about Meghalaya - many northeastern states face similar challenges. The Centre needs to have a comprehensive policy for the entire region rather than dealing with each state separately. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50