Implementation of ILP in Garo Hills
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As the Inner Line Permit based on Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 cannot be applied to Garo Hills, the High Level Committee (HLC) on influx has decided to seek opinion from the legal experts in this regard.
The committee would meet legal experts during its next sitting scheduled for November 15.
“We would like the legal experts to enlighten us on various legal and constitutional provisions pertaining to the Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873. We would also like the legal experts to give us suitable recommendations on the steps which need to be initiated by the Government for extending ILP to Garo Hills sector,” Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong, who is also chairman of the committee, told reporters after the third meeting of the committee here on Tuesday.
According to him, initially Garo Hills was also covered under the ILP. “Garo Hills was excluded after the Act was repealed in 1897,” Deputy Chief Minister said.
The ILP cannot be partially implemented in the State, he said adding, “The fact is that the people from Garo Hills would have to acquire a permit to visit other parts of the State if the ILP is partially implemented”.
“We would also be discussing in the committee on the type of ILP which needs to be implemented in the State,” Lanong said.
He, however, reiterated that majority of the members of the committee were in favour for the implementation of the ILP for checking of illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister also informed that they have also decided to seek an extension from the Government.
“Probably, we would need an extension for a month to complete the task which has been assigned by the Government,” Lanong said.