ILP not a solution, says Dorphang

SHILLONG: Mawhati legislator Julias Dorphang feels that ILP can not be a solution to the problem of influx and illegal migration and at the same he has urged the state government to initiate dialogue with pro-IL pressure groups to end the present stalemate.
“We need to clean the mess which is inside. We need to have more stringent laws to be able tackle the problem of influx,” the Independent legislator said while addressing newsmen here on Wednesday.
“Not only me, I think all the legislators of the State would want that there should be an amicable solution to the present crisis,” Dorphang, who is also the former HNLC chairman, said adding “This is my personal view.”
He said that prevailing laws like Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971 and United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954did not have any tooth to tackle influx of illegal migrants.
“The existing laws should be supported by legal sanction. Unless, this happens I do not think any law would be able to address the burning issue of influx and illegal migration,” the former HNLC chairman said.
He, however, refused to comment on the proposed Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill.
While responding to a query, he said that the HNLC’s main issue has always been the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement accepted by the Government of India and the twenty five Khasi States on August 17, 1948.
“The issue of illegal migrant is a subsidiary issue of the outfit. It is misleading to say that the outfit main agenda is illegal migration,” the former HNLC chairman said.