MAWKYRWAT: The KHADC chief executive member HS Shylla on Friday reiterated the demand for inner line permit saying inter-state migration, and not foreigners’ influx, is a threat to Jaitbynriew.
Speaking as chief guest at a function to commemorate the 170th death anniversary of Sngap Sing Syiemlieh, a freedom fighter and King of Hima Maharam, in Mawkyrwat, Shylla said, “We are not afraid of the Bangladeshis, Nepalis and other foreigners but the war that Jaitbynriew has to fight is against inter-state influx.”
Maintaining that inner line permit is the only way to protect the tribals of Meghalaya because it will prevent the ‘settlement’ of other Indian nationals in the state, Shylla said the bills passed by the KHADC which include the Lineage Bill, Clan Bill and the implementation of the Inner Line Permi (ILP), need to be approved fast.
“Article 19 (5) clearly states that a state can make and impose any law with reasonable restrictions in the interest of the general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe,” Shylla said.
The KHADC chief criticised the previous government headed by Mukul Sangma for betraying Jaitbynriew and introducing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016.
“When the youths of the state were demanding implementation of ILP, the former chief minister gave the MRSS Act, 2016. It’s like when you are asking for fish and they give you snakes. When our youths are crying for the law… he (Mukul Sangma) gave us the MRSSA 2016 which facilitates the entry of other Indian nationals,” he added.
The KHADC chief has urged all pressure groups and the MDA government to study the law properly before going ahead with setting up of entry-exit points.
CEM on freedom fighters
On Sngap Sing Syiem, who fought against the British after U Tirot Sing Syiem was captured, Shylla said the contribution of the MDCs, MLAs and MPs is nothing compared to these kings.
“The spirit of patriotism among MDCs, MLAs and MPs of the Jaitbynriew has kept on declining. We have to obey the decision of the party in the state government or in the district council and we sacrificed the issues concerning Jaitbynriew. This is very dangerous and we need to revive the spirit of patriotism among the youths,” Shylla said. Former general secretary of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew reminded the people of Maharam Syiemship that the fight for Jaitbynriew has not stopped and “I have retired from the outfit and not from the fight”.
The programme was organised by the HYC. Before the meeting, the CEM along with the Syiem of Hima Maharam, N. Syiemiong, former general secretary of the HNLC and leaders of the HYC went to Circuit House Mawkyrwat to pay floral tribute at the monument of Sngap Sing Syiem.
Others who spoke included the Sub-Divisional Officer of Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, HS Diengdoh, Chief of Hima Maharam N. Syiemiong and President of the HYC, Robertjune Kharjahrin.