CM non-committal on ILP implementation

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has once again expressed his reservation to introduce the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, even as the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has pledged to continue its protests for implementation of the Inner Line Permit.
Sangma said the government and the stakeholders have spent years in discussing about the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act.
“We know what the loopholes are and also the effectiveness of ILP in those states,” Sangma said, adding that the total population of tribals and non tribals prior and after the implementation of the ILP in those states has been shared with everyone.
According to Sangma, Meghalaya has come up with various regulatory mechanisms as per the Sixth Schedule, including issuing of trading license and job reservation policy, for the protection of the indigenous community since its creation.
When asked about HYC’s recurring protests, Sangma said people can have different opinions “but the government has to go by what is practical, implementable and what is good for the greater interest of the people”.
When asked if the government has examined HYC’s 14-point demands, the chief minister said the government does examine but does not always respond.