SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) convened its general council meeting on Monday at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall and brought out a 14-point demand before the state government.
In what appears like an election manifesto, the HYC has listed what it considers are the priority areas for conserving the rights of indigenous people of Meghalaya.
Inner Line Permit
At the top of the HYC agenda is the demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a regulation enforced by the British under the nomenclature of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the general council meeting on Monday HYC president Peter Lawai said it is imperative to implement the ILP which is “the only Act that will protect the indigenous community from illegal migrants”.
Residential permit
Pointing out that the State has a porous border, Lawai observed that putting up entry/exit points will not be adequate to tackle influx. “With the residential permit in place, any person can be arrested and held accountable if he enters the State without the permit,” he said.
Work permit
Lawai alleged that work permit is an employment platform for illegal migrants as its implementation has not benefitted the indigenous community.
Demanding that the Labour department of the District Council should look into the matter, he said, “We demand the Labour department to register all indigenous traders.”
He added that the registration of indigenous traders will indicate their numbers, the work they engage in and whether they are skilled or unskilled.
Prohibition and detection of Benami transaction
Lawai said that an amendment to the Meghalaya Benami Transaction Prohibition Act is necessary as the fine for Benami transaction is a meager amount at the moment.
State Permanent Citizenship Registration Act
The HYC president also demanded that the State Government should implement 1971 as the cut off year for enlisting people coming from outside the State.
Democratic rights
Stating that people have the right to vote Lawai said, “We want people to vote in their state of origin.”
Border dispute
The organisation demanded that the State government should resolve the boundary dispute with Assam and Bangladesh so as to usher in peace in the border settlements.
Land laws
Lawai demanded that the state government should bring in laws that will strengthen the ownership of land in the District Council.
He added that laws should come up for the protection of Raid land, village forests and others.
Special economic rights
Lawai said that certain markets should be recognized as indigenous markets where only local people can involve in trade.
The HYC also demanded the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution and called for the implementation of Meghalaya Lokayukta Act to check corruption. The organisation also demanded the amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution at the earliest.
State customs and usage tribunal
Lawai pointed out that there has to be a tribunal to specially protect the rights of the indigenous people and to try cases that come in conflict with indigenous rights.
