Lack of clarity from the Centre on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya has irked the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), as nearly six years has elapsed since the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution urging the central government to extend the system to the state. Expressing concern, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said despite repeated protests and demands by the organisation, there has been no response from the central government since the resolution was adopted by the Assembly on December 19, 2019.
Marngar said that the students’ union was unsure whether the delay was caused by lack of seriousness on the part of the state government or the unwillingness of the central government. He further said that the KSU had even tried to hold discussions with ministers of the central government ministers on the matter but there has been no outcome so far on the issue. Referring to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), which has been in force since 2016, the KSU president alleged that the state government has failed to provide clarity on the steps taken to effectively implement the Act.
“The state government only responds by saying that the matter is under examination by the Government of India,” he said. Marngar also warned that the delay in implementing laws and provisions meant to protect the indigenous people of Meghalaya poses a serious threat to the state’s demography and identity. He further said that given that the issues of ILP and MRSSA have not moved forward, there was an urgent need for decisive action to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population.
