Editor,
Intense prolonged concentration on any particular object is very likely to cause a blurred hazy vision.  A correct perspective and view can only be restored if we step back or momentarily divert our gaze away from the object of our passionate focus. Such is the case with Meghalaya’s current obsession with the ILP. We need to re-establish and reconfirm Meghalaya’s real demand, which I sincerely believe is every genuine citizens wish – an effective and viable method to control influx of outsiders into the state.  This demand also brings along an obligation- to understand the complex nature of the problem. Coming up with a solution without first understanding the problem is like putting the cart before the horse. So what is there to understand about Influx?
Actually, analysing the problem of influx should have been done earlier which unfortunately has not been. Letter to the Editor, ST 14th Sept 13 “Wanted some answers” is  a pointer to the need for the above. In the attempt to curb influx lets turn more towards scientific analysis of the problem rather than depend too much on shrill emotional outbursts, which more often than not, prevent us from accepting the truth that stares us in the face. Perhaps the following question also need to be answered before a solution can be proposed:
What is the real cause for influx of outsiders into the state?
Do all outsiders entering Meghalaya belong to the same category, class or group?  Do all of them come with the same purpose and intent and thereby pose the same threat to the state and its people?
If a threat exists from unregulated influx of outsiders then we must identify the category of outsiders who pose this threat. Its insane and impractical to tar all categories of visitors to the state with the same brush.
Do immigrants, especially unskilled and with dubious intentions,  enter Meghalaya on their own or are they  brought in by locals. If called/invited or brought in, then the role and onus of such locals.
If influx is not checked then the core sectors (political,  economic, demographic, cultural, tradition) that are likely to be adversely affected.
Once the above is done then we can come up with the most appropriate solution for the problem
1. List out the categories of outsiders entering Meghalaya. Pinpoint the category that poses the greatest threat ( The greatest threat will be from the category that eventually takes root  and settles in the state)
2. Suggest the control mechanism best suited to prevent the categories identified above from taking root in the state. (Outdated ILP or mere Tenancy Laws may not be the most appropriate) The interest and well-being of our future generations must be kept in mind. This generation cannot remain blind to the needs of the future which increasingly will be on economic wellbeing than anything else.
3. The most effective mechanism should contain registration of entry; participative stakeholder monitoring mechanism on all such registration ( this is the real key to the problem) ; automatic self updating data bank and a digitised self disseminating and  participative MIS on influx, accessible to all concerned stakeholders .
In implementation and enforcing the mechanism the role of locals who (a) bring in migrants (b) who harbour illegal migrants (c) who abet entry and settlement of illegal migrants  should clearly be spelt out together with strict punitive action. Why should all of us shout and cry foul only to be sabotaged by a few selfish individuals.
5. Who and how to effectively implement the influx control mechanism so proposed
The above suggestions are being made in the best interests of the state and its people and should be taken in that spirit.
Yours etc.
Toki Blah,
Via email

Population growth & ILP in Meghalaya

Editor,
The last meeting held in Shillong between various NGOs of Meghalaya and the State Government headed by the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma on 291h August last, on Inner Line Permit (ILP) has expectedly ended in failure. From this fiasco, it transpires that our Government  is less than serious in the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya, one of the paramount rationales being vote bank politics and none can call into question, either. However, what utterly amazes me is the assertion made by the Chief Minister at that meeting that based on the figures of the last two censuses, 2001 to 2011, the tribal population, he reiterated, has soared to more than 86% and that of the non-tribal has dipped to around 13%. Our Chief Minister cannot, however, literally gloss over the fact that during these two censuses, Meghalaya has been shown to have recorded the country’s highest rise of population by 27.86% as against the all India average figure of a mere 10%. Furthermore, non-tribal population has notched-up 41% from 3,15,785 to 4,44,601. It is precisely against this inconvenient backdrop that the on-going agitation launched by the NGO’s is a no nonsensical movement. It is high time, therefore, for in powers to introspect over this critical issue as broached by the NGO’s, if our political leaders want to see Meghalaya preserve its unique tribal entity and before things get out of hand.
Yours etc.
Jerome Diengdoh
Shillong -2

On U Thlen and ILP

Editor,
Several opinions have been expressed on the two issues recently. Some intellectuals said that those who believe that U Thlen exists are superstitious because its existence cannot be scientifically proven. But can anybody prove scientifically that God exists? Both are beyond the realm of science. If use of the word U Thien is allergic to the modern intelligentsia, let’s call it by another name. To me it is just a form of demon and there are demon worshippers throughout this world. There are people who worship God and there are people who worship Satan or demons. It is told in the Bible that Satan tempted even Jesus to worship him promising that if he does so, the whole world and all its glories would be his. Hence, I believe there are people who do worship Satan and demons and do their biddings like sacrificing human blood. History is replete with such instances. That should not be surprising.
ILP too is also a word allergic to some people. Therefore, let’s call it by any other name. What is needed is a strong measure to check illegal migration to the State whose economy is already controlled by non-locals. That should not happen in the social, political and cultural spheres. Everything should be done to ensure that the demographic balance does not worsen. Indigenous locals in neighbouring States have been reduced to minorities because they failed to foresee the danger. God forbid that such a calamity should befall the Khasis and the Garos.
Yours etc.
P Diengdoh,
Shillong – 3