Editor,
The urgency to implement the inner line permit (ILP) has all of a sudden gained momentum leaving another burning issue on Langpih far behind. The reality is whether we talk of our inter state border problems or sealing the international borders or preventing illegal migrants these finally boil down to the political and social will within the government. Without political sagacity and commitment the entire matter will just fade into oblivion. There is no guarantee that with the ILP the flow of migrants would be reduced or even be prevented. Even the check gates that act as barriers cannot prevent entry of unauthorised persons or ensure hundred percent detection. Interestingly the state political leadership seems to be buying time which ultimately would be used by one party or the other as an election agenda or maybe to cash in on illegal migrant vote banks. This is why we must not be surprised at the attitude of the state when it comes to such a critical concern.
Yours etc,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
ILP and influx
Editor,
The voices raised by the various NGOs of the state with regard to the increasing influx of illegal migrants may be genuine but clamoring for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is not the solution. All the three states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh which have the ILP in place have not been able to keep a check on the rising migrant population. All commercial areas and business houses in these state capitals are owned and controlled by “outsiders”. The state government should institute an efficient and transparent mechanism devoted to monitoring the inflow of migrants into the state. The government can rein in the help of law enforcers including the police and NGOs in checking and regulating the inflow of migrants into the state. The decision making process should also incorporate views of the general public including NGOs. Moreover, a formal network among the members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions i.e the Rangbah shnong and the Rangbah dong should be strengthened so as to facilitate a stronger web in monitoring the influx. Therefore the state government needs to wake up and realize that until and unless an accountable, transparent and effective institutional is put in place, no knee jerk initiatives will mitigate the problems of influx of illegal migrants. However, this should be enforced in such a manner that it is not detrimental to the commerce, trade and tourism industry in the state.
Yours etc.,
Jonathan Donald Syiemlieh
Via email
MUDA at it again
Editor
The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the government are at it again. After the yet to be completed project of the beautification of Khyndai Lad, despite all assurances by the government prior the initiation of the project, now it is the construction work at Don Bosco Square that has created a traffic uproar. We have to bear the brunt of traffic jam since the imposition of the ‘No Entry’ from Dhanketi Point to Don Bosco Square. One wonders why the need to start the construction work in the monsoons and especially at a time when schools and colleges are also not yet on vacation? Perhaps if such a construction work could have taken place during the winter when the schools and colleges would be having their winter vacation there would there would be less traffic along that stretch of road as well as the whole city at that time. However if at all the work is urgent one only hopes it is completed in record time and does not hang fire like the Khyndailad project. Well, only time will tell!
Yours etc.,
Dr Jenniefer Dkhar
Via email
