SHILLONG: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations has sought the support of genuine non-tribals of Meghalaya in opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Speaking to media persons after meeting those injured in Friday’s protest near Raj Bhavan, CoMSO chairman Robert June Kharjahrin said the organisation has always sought the support of the genuine non-tribals.
“In fact, many non-tribals appreciate our fight and we should stand united. Let us not forget that India may be called Hindustan but it is a secular country,” he added.
Stating that many people from the Hindu community are against CAB as “minorities are being treated as second class citizens”, Kharjahrin said Meghalaya should forget the past and oppose CAA unitedly.
At the same time, he expressed surprise that non-tribals are not supporting the demand.
“They can at least issue a press statement. We want ILP in the state to save Meghalaya from 2 crore Bangladeshis who would try to come to the state after the forceful implementation of CAA and against those who come here for unlawful purpose. Our demand for IPL is against illegal immigrants and those who come here with different thought and agenda,” he said.
On Friday’s clash between protesters and police, Kharjahrin said their plan was to organise a democratic and peaceful march but there were certain elements within the crowd who tried to take law into their hands.
“We condemn both the people who tried to create law and order problem and the police who responded excessively by firing tear gas and rubber bullets without any warning,” he said.
Making it clear that their ongoing agitations would continue, he added that all the 60 MLAs should support the ILP in the House.
“If any one speaks differently about ILP, we will agitate against the MLA,” he said, adding that Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has been opposing the implementation of ILP even now.
The CoMSO organised a public meet in Mawlai later in the afternoon.
