Come with an open mind on Jan 15, Mukul tells pressure groups
SHILLONG: After almost three months of standoff, the State government has formally invited the pro-Inner Line Permit groups for a dialogue on January 15 next year to deliberate on the mechanism to tackle the problem of influx of illegal migrants.
“We have decided to invite the pressure groups for a dialogue to come up with the suggestion and recommendations on the mechanism which they feel can address this issue without sticking to their earlier stand of insisting only on ILP,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said while addressing a press conference at his official residence here on Sunday.
“We will officially communicate to them through the relevant department in the first week of January,” Dr Sangma said adding “now it is time for the pressure groups to come forward to accept the opportunity with an open mind.”
“If they are not happy with the mechanisms suggested by Government then let us find out the best option for tackling illegal influx,” the Chief Minister said.
When pointed out that the pressure groups had already made it clear that they would sit for dialogue only if the Government agrees to discuss only ILP, the Chief Minister said “If people live with a close mind then there is room for dialogue.”
Dr Sangma, however, urged the agitating groups to come with “an open mind for a dialogue” stating that “dialogue cannot take place if one comes with a closed mind.