By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Newly-elected president of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) central body, Joe Marwein, on Monday said that the Federation would continue to demand the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) while terming it as a ‘weapon to curb influx’ in the State.
“We are determined to work side by side with other NGOs like the KSU on genuine issues like influx which is at present a major threat to the indigenous communities of the State,” Marwein said.
Speaking at the swearing-in-ceremony of the newly elected members of the central executive committee (CEC), Marwein, who replaced Emlang Lyttan as the new president, stressed on the need for different social organisations to unite for a common cause.
Maintaining that influx is the leading issue that needs immediate attention from the government, the newly elected president said, “Despite the fact that we belong to the minority group of people in the country, yet the same has not been realised by the government to ensure protection to the minority group.”
Meanwhile, outgoing president, Emlan Lytan, pointed out that the State at present is on the ‘verge of collapse’ in many aspects. Stating that moral values are degrading, Lytan said, “The strong wall of the indigenous traditions which were once held tight by our forefathers has collapsed,” while blaming the influence of western cultures and lifestyles for the same.
Coming to unemployment, the former FKJGP president said that despite attempts to educate the youth, the same has not bore fruits, causing tensions and frustration amongst them including their parents.
Lytan also clarified that their protest against the introduction of railway connectivity in the State would continue until and unless the State Government comes up with a strong and powerful weapon to curb the entrance of immigrants.
Later, the newly elected members of the CEC were administered oath by FKJGP’s first president Sounder Strong Cajee, in the presence of the outgoing president, former members including Water Resource Minister AL Hek, Mawlai MLA FS Cajee, Rev Griffith Umwi, former KSU president Samuel Jyrwa, former KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa and Mawkhar MDC JB Basaiawmoit besides others.
