SHILLONG: while the pressure groups in the state are hell bent on implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx, the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) feels that strengthening of the traditional institutions will be a stronger mechanism to check and prevent influx and illegal immigration from entering into the state.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday after party’s general conference, PDF Chairman Pynshngain N Syiem said that strengthening of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to empower traditional institutions right from the level of Hima down to the Dorbar Shnong will be a strong mechanism to check influx and illegal immigration
The former Congress legislator from Mawsynram was reacting to a query as to why the PDF’s agenda for the upcoming Assembly polls, was silent with regards to the issue of influx.
Moreover, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), a breakaway faction of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has also threatened to campaign against political parties which fails to include the ILP and other laws to check influx in their respective manifestos.
According to Syiem, while the Mukul Sangma-led state government is batting for the entry-exit mechanism to deal with the problem, the mechanism of PDF will be stronger since people who want to illegally settle in the state cannot avoid the Dorbar Shnong.”
He while pointing out that the idea of PDF is not to focus on checking influx at the entrance of the state added that people cannot illegally settle here if traditional institutions are empowered.
Asked on the stand of the party with regards to ILP, the PDF’s chief ministerial candidate said, “We will have to examine whether implementation of the ILP is effective. If yes, then we will not hesitate to implement this law if voted to power.”
He further informed that the PDF will also adopt layers of mechanisms not only at Hima and Dorbar Shnong level but also at the entry points since they believe that the Sixth Schedule can be a strong wall to guard and protect the interest of indigenous people.
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