SHILLONG: The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya on Thursday appealed to the agitating pressure groups to respond to the Government’s new legislation and the Chief Minister’s call through the Chiefs, to contribute their views and suggestions on the proposed legislation.
In a meeting held between Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and a 19-member delegation of the Grand Council of Chiefs here on Thursday, the Council stressed on the need for short- and long- term policies to deal with the twin issues of influx and infiltration, while urging the State Government to initiate talks with all sections of the society, at all levels including the NGOs, to resolve the any issue with an open mind.
In his response, the Chief Minister stated that much debate has happened for the last four decades since 1972, and also informed the delegation as to the legalities of the recommendations.
According to the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, John F Kharshiing, the Chief Minister said that the government is serious and approaching the issue of influx and infiltration through a number of measures including setting up of the Infiltration Directorate, initiating the process of appointment of about 39 Labour Inspectors in all the C&RD Blocks and pursuing with the Central Government for modernization of the State Police force, besides other measures.
“The Chief Minister stated that the Government will be releasing the draft of a new legislation which will include a working arrangement between the various enforcement agencies, the police and the traditional institutions,” Kharshiing informed.
Dr Sangma has called upon the traditional institutions and all sections of the society including the agitating NGOs to call off their agitation and to come forward and contribute their views to enable setting up of a realistic mechanism which can be implemented effectively.
During the meeting, which was also attended by Home Minister Roshan Warjri, the Council submitted a memorandum which highlighted on issues arising out of the letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Chief Minister responded by informing that a meeting chaired by District Council Affairs Minister HDR Lyngdoh would be convened to make appropriate suggestions so as to provide political space to the traditional institutions.
In relation to the contradictions of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act relating to the Land Holding and collection of annual registration by the 11 Hima/Elaka along the Assam -Meghalaya boundary, Dr Sangma agreed to constitute a specific commission to look into this particular issue.
With regard to the issues of economic opportunities through border haats, Dr Sangma stated that recently the Government of Meghalaya has been able to impress upon the Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh to jointly open an additional number of 20 border haats.