By Our Reporter
Shillong: Concerned over the flow of so called immigrants in the state, Khasi author MS Sumer said that it would not be long before Meghalaya becomes another Tripura in the making.
“Tribals constitute only 15 per cent of the population of Tripura and greed on part of the indigenous tribals could lead to the same situation here,” Sumer said during a one-day seminar on Land Tenure System organized by the Khasi Jaintia Welfare Association at Khasi National Dorbar Hall here on Saturday.
Terming the absence of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to tackle the flow of immigrants in the state as a drawback, Sumer said that the State Government could implement the ILP if it wanted but its adamant attitude has kept this important weapon against influx at bay.
“If Manipur can pass the ILP, why can’t Meghalaya which is facing the same threat”, Sumer questioned while alleging that the key to make the ILP see the light of the day is held by those people who have a different outlook towards the welfare of the indigenous community.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Director of AIR, Shillong, EW Dkhar, who is also a renowned Khasi poet, slammed the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for overlooking the importance of codifying the rights and traditions of the Khasi chiefs and Dolois.
Other speakers included Dr AK Nongkynrih of NEHU, Dr FL Nonglait, Rev OL Snaitang, W Antony and SK Blah.
Later, the KJWA also decided to form a review committee to study the matter raised by the different speakers and besides compiling it into a book which will be presented to the government.