New Garo organisation throws weight behind ILP demand

SHILLONG: Newly formed organisation of the Garos based in Khasi Hills, the All Khasi Hills A’Chik Federation (AKHAF) extended their support to the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP) by anti-influx organisations.

Addressing the Press on Thursday, AKHAF general secretary, John D. Sangma said, “We need ILP in the state. There is large scale influx to the state especially in the rural areas.”

Stating  that the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong have different take on ILP, he said the state government must be pressurized to implement ILP.

He criticized the state government for no action being seen on the ground and echoed  the demands of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) that called upon the MDA government to call a meeting on ILP.

Sangma was also critical of the Them Iew Mawlong issue that almost brought the state to a standstill and questioned the seriousness of the High Level Committee which has come up with no solution as yet.

He pointed to the irony of the state which is soon to achieve the 50 years milestone in 2022, with its inter-state and international borders remaining marred in disputes.

He commented on the futility of entry and exit points to check illegal influx as the government has failed to check the large number of illegal immigrants who have entered the state.

Asked about the demand for Garoland, Sangma said there was no consultation by the pro-Garoland groups with the Garos residing in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Giving a vague response, he, however, said their stand might change in the future.

According to Sangma, there has to be a need to strengthen the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities and urged for unity among the tribes.

The organisation will also take up the need to have proper infrastructural development wherein children are forced to walk 10.5 kms to school, better health amenities in the rural areas.

On the security front, the AKHAF has urged the state government to set up 2 police outpost at Bagli and Khonjoy.