Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Reviving the ILP debate

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There is nothing more troubling than to be saddled with a single, opinionated view on an issue as critical as illegal influx. Many who advocate solutions to problems do so with the, “It’s my way or the highway,” attitude. That is exactly the case with the past and present raging debate on the Inner Line Permit (ILP). It has resurfaced and there are advocates of the ILP who believe it is the only solution to curb influx. Such people have suggested the ILP as a potent instrument to deal with illegal immigrants without providing the framework on how it is to be executed on the ground. The tragedy about Meghalaya’s dubious political history is that thorny issues are always left to be picked up by pressure/interest groups. Those elected to represent the people have abdicated their duties. They do not wish to exercise their minds on controversial issues for fear of being held accountable for their views and because of the fear of falling foul of these pressure groups who they use from time to time. As a result several political irons are thrown into the fire which is kept alive by NGOs/ pressure groups/ and individuals who believe they are ordained with divine wisdom. A government that gets pushed into the corner might sometimes pay heed to such egotistical advocates. But such governments will pay the price sooner than later. When the people of Nagaland have pleaded utter helplessness to contain influx despite the ILP, why is Meghalaya determined to repeat the errors?

Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma is correct in rejecting the idea of ILP, however, he has to come up with a better model by creating an all-party platform to discuss the pressing issue of influx. Influx is indeed a real threat for Meghalaya. The change in demographic profile of ghettos within Shillong city such as Pynthorumkhrah and other localities is alarming, not to speak of Garo Hills. Places of worship hitherto unseen have suddenly appeared and it is one indication of a ghettoized community. Vote bank politics has blinded the political wannabes and they have become the protectors of such interlopers. But the ILP is hardly adequate to address the present dangers created by a free and easy cross-border access. The ILP may restrain other Indians who take the legitimate routes to enter Meghalaya but it will be of no avail against illegal immigrants. We have to find a way to disincentivise people of dubious nationality/identity who have found a refuge here. This is the only way to address influx.

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