By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With the clamour for implementation of the Inner Line permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya growing by the day, the Congress-led MUA-II Coalition is caught between the proverbial ‘devil and the deep sea’ on whether to implement the ILP or not.
The scheduled all party meeting on September 3 to discuss whether to implement the ILP, is all set to be a one-sided affair as majority of the political parties including the UDP, NPP and HSPDP have already voiced their support to the ILP.
So far, the MUA-II Government, which is supported by NCP and independent legislators, has been harping on other means of checking influx.
Though the NCP and the independents supporting the Congress-led Government have been silent on their stand on the ILP, it is unlikely that they will oppose the stand of their majority partner (Congress).
Prior to the all-party meet, Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma will hold a meeting with pressure groups and NGOs on August 29.
Keeping in mind the demand of the pressure groups and the stand of the political parties especially those from the Opposition, the Chief Minister will have no option on his hands other than succumbing to the ‘pressure’.
It is noteworthy that last year when the High Level Committee on Influx chaired by the then Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong had recommended implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya, the Government chose to reserve its observations on the report in view of the Assembly election in the State.
Even after the Assembly polls, the Government, while accepting the report, failed clarify its stand on the issue, prompting pressure groups to rake up the issue with Opposition parties also toeing the line.
