CoHSO to write to govt, MLAs to implement ILP

SHILLONG: The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organizations (CoHSO) has decided to write to the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs with the view to bring pressure on the state government to implement the Inner Line Permit.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, CoHSO chairman, Robert Kharjahrin, said the letters will serve as reminders for the urgent need to bring ILP in the state irrespective of whether the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passes into law.
“Many constituencies have been affected by the day-to-day influx which is a danger to the state and hence ILP is important. After so much of deliberations, the demand for ILP will be intensified,” he said.
According to him, the ILP should be implemented in letter and spirit to bar Indians or foreigners from entering the state without valid permission.  He added that persons should be penalised when they enter the state without valid permission and that such permission should not be for more than 179 days.
To keep pushing the demand for ILP, the CoHSO will hold another round of meeting with traditional heads such as headmen, doloi, Syiem besides organisations which are not under the CoHSO.
To intensify their agitation, the CoHSO will hold “surprise agitations” on next Monday or Tuesday if the state government does not respond.
According to Kharjahrin, the Meghalaya Resident, Safety and Security Act, 2016 does not speak about ILP as exit and entry points are not enough.
On the other hand, Kharjahrin said the CoHSO, which is a social organisation, does not want to get involved in politics and is not in favour of putting up an MP candidate. “We will remain a social organisation and will not get involved in politics,” he added.
The idea was mooted by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM HS Shylla at a public meeting attended by thousands on Thursday as he said the trust in political parties has faded away.
Kharjahrin also disagreed with Shylla on holding another public meeting at Polo stating that it is not important to convene such a meet. “The voice from the dorbar bah is no to CAB and yes to ILP. We need to execute the decision arrived at the Dorbar bah meeting,” he said.