Kharshiing wants IOA to be part of Article 370

SHILLONG: John Kharshiing, the chairman of Ka Dorbar ki Khlieh Nongsynshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep, has urged the state government to move a resolution in the Assembly urging the Centre to include the Instrument of Accession (IOA) in Article 370 of the Constitution.
Addressing the media on Friday, he said the need to move the resolution is to demand fulfilment of the terms of the accession which will serve as a measure to protect the rights of the three tribes in Meghalaya.
“Clause 5 of the Annexed Agreement (AA) is another form of Inner Line Permit which is very important in the present context of debate on protection of the indigenous people of the state which the Syiems had agreed upon on joining and acceding to the Indian Dominion without signing the merger agreement,” Kharshiing said.
Clause 5 states: “In matters of legislation concerning subjects of common interest passed by the Assam legislature, there should be some machinery either by representation in that legislature or otherwise set up whereby the legislation, where necessary, can be adopted or modified to suit the conditions and circumstances existing in the Khasi Hill.”
To a query, Kharshiing supported the demand for implementation of ILP as this matter is part of the IOA and AA. He added that ILP provisions are reflected in the Maharam Syiemship (Administration) Rules, 2009, and the Administration of Nongstoin Syiemship Rules, 2006.
He added that including the IOA and AA in Article 370 “is to make effect the provisions of Clause 5 of the AA which will be like an ILP within the Constitution of India”. Kharshiing also gave his support to the ILP bill moved by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and urged the government to consider the matter.
When asked whether ILP will disrupt tourism prospects in the state, Kharshiing cited the example of Bhutan where in spite of restrictions, footfall of tourists is high.