Shillong, Aug. 30: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) today reiterated its demand for implementation of the inner-line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, and extended support to the 12-hour strike called by pressure groups on Monday.
The party, which does not have any representation in the Assembly, also announced its decision to boycott the all-party meeting called by chief minister Mukul Sangma here on Tuesday.
The decisions were taken a day after Sangma made it clear that the government was not in favour of implementing the ILP.
Addressing a press conference here, KHNAM general secretary Adelbert Nongrum said his party would continue with its demand for implementing the ILP, which was enshrined in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
Nongrum lambasted the chief minister for “hiding” the report of the high-level committee on influx, headed by former deputy chief minister Bindo M. Lanong, which had incorporated various views and opinions, including the recommendation for implementing ILP in Meghalaya.
Referring to the party manifesto, the KHNAM leader said its demand to implement the ILP as a mechanism to check influx and illegal immigration has been there since the 2003 Assembly elections. It also wanted that there should be a cut-off year to determine the permanent residents of the state. “ILP is for providing special protection to the indigenous people and preserve their distinctiveness.”
KHNAM joint secretary Lurshai Lyngwa rejected the claim made by the government that the Centre’s nod was required for implementing ILP in the state. “ILP is an existing law and the state has only to implement it.”
Asserting that the ILP would help check influx and illegal immigrationespecially since the state shares a border with Bangladesh and Assam, Lyngwa said influx posed a serious threat not only to the state but the country as well. “We will continue to fight for this demand and mobilise our movement even if we have no representatives in the Assembly,” he said.
The United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and the National People’s Party (NPP) are also demanding ILP.
