By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Mixed views have emerged from various quarters on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State.
Influx is a major cause of concern in the State and the State Government is now trying to come up with other mechanism instead of the old Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check the flow of illegal migrants into the State.
The Shillong Times spoke to a section of people and sought their views on ILP and it’s after effects.
Social activist Toki Blah, while talking on the pros and cons of the ILP, said it is an outdated law which was framed by the British administration for better control over the tribals.
“We need to design a system which will not only preserve the interest of the people of North East but also the integrity of the country,” he said.
According to Blah, the State needs to sit and think and come out with a mechanism to control influx.
Most of the NGOs in the State are demanding introduction of ILP in view of the alleged large-scale influx in the State even as the State Government termed ILP as ineffective.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma recently said the Government was trying to come out with a mechanism where all people would be mapped and added this system will be more effective than ILP.
The KSU which is demanding the introduction of the ILP had already asked the State Government to call the civil societies for a discussion on the proposed mechanism.
Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, however, termed the Inner Line Permit as a double-edged sword which can work well for the protection of the demography of the indigenous tribes, but at the same time it can be detrimental as free passage into the State will be restricted.
“It can be detrimental since security forces will also assume a lot of authority in the name of ILP,” she added.
Even the militant outfit ANVC (B) is asking the State Government to implement the ILP without any delay.
“ILP should be introduced especially for Garo Hills as the area is more affected from the illegal entry of Bangladeshis,” chairman of ANVC (B) Rimpu N Marak said.
Echoing similar views, the CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said ILP should be introduced especially because of the fact that Meghalaya is a bordering state.
When asked about the possible tardy industrial growth and lack of development if ILP is introduced, she said that the industrial units in the State are not providing any benefits to the State as in fact they are looting the subsidies provided by the State.
“They are not even giving jobs to the local people,” she added.
The Leader of Opposition Conrad Sangma was of the view that ILP should be implemented along with UID card and work permit so that a genuine citizen, whether he is a tribal or non tribal, is not harassed.
“Influx is a matter of grave concern and with ILP, we will be able to keep a record of people who are entering the State,” he said while adding that the tourism sector will not be affected with the implementation of ILP.
However, BJP general secretary Dipayan Chakraborty said that the law enforcing agencies have failed to check infiltration into the State though Meghalaya has enough laws to check influx.
“Let the Government use the ‘3D’ formula – Detect and Delete the names of infiltrators from the voters’ list and Deport them,” he added.