Non-Cong parties join hands for ILP
SHILLONG: Favouring the immediate implementation of Inner Line Permit (IPL) in the State, several non-Congress parties have unanimously resolved to form a joint forum to put pressure on Government to ensure that it complies with the demand put forth by the 10 agitating pressure groups.
“We will meet shortly to constitute a joint forum to take forward the movement for implementation of ILP in the State,” KHNAM president Pyndapborthiaw Saiborne said after a meeting of the non-Congress political parties — KHNAM, UDP, NPP and HSPDP– here on Tuesday.
The meeting decided to launch a series of agitations to ensure that the implementation of ILP takes place in Meghalaya, Saiborne said adding that his party was not against the idea of a modified version of ILP.
“A modified version of ILP can be looked into but the spirit (of the original act) should remain,” the KHNAM president said.
It may be mentioned that on Monday UDP agreed that ILP Act of 1873 needs to be modified suitably and this will be in consonance with the local conditions, topography and economic interest of the State of Meghalaya.
When asked if the demand for ILP in the State would meet the same fate like in Manipur, Saiborne said, “In the first instance the State Government has to pass a resolution in the Assembly urging the Central Government to implement it.”
He also said that the Parliament would have to amend the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873 so that Garo Hills could also be brought under the purview of ILP.