SHILLONG: NPP leader Purno A Sangma has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue multipurpose identity cards (UID) as a first step towards addressing the issue of influx of illegal migrants.
Sangma made this request during their meeting on May 30.
Sangma said that the identity cards should be issued for a time-frame of six months. A letter in this regard was handed over to the Prime Minister by Tura MP.
Sangma in the letter said that instead of identification of foreigners, there was a need to identify true Indian citizens and after issuing identity cards, those who cannot prove their citizenship should be deported.
Sangma also expressed concern over the law and order situation in Meghalaya saying that the Union Government all along had based its policy on the basis of peace for development but he totally disagreed with it.
He said that instead, the approach should be development for peace.
Repeal AFSPA
Sangma also demanded scrapping of the Armed Forces Special Power Act which he considers as draconian law.
According to Sangma, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had himself described the law as inhumane “yet he could not do anything.”
Sangma also expressed concern over the building of massive dams in the upper reaches of Bramhaputra river by Chinese Government saying it is a matter of great concern for the people of the North East.
He also welcomed the Look East policy but added that the policy has not been implemented in true spirit .
He further stated that North Eastern Council (NEC) and DoNER Ministry have become a mere funding agency to the Northeastern states and added that the agencies should become agents of change for the NE states.