SHILLONG: Newly formed organisation of the Garos, the All Khasi Hills A’Chik Federation (AKHAF), based in Khasi Hills has extended its support to the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP).
AKHAF general secretary John D Sangma said, “We need ILP as there is large scale influx in the state especially in the rural areas.”
Criticising the state government for not taking solid action to tackle influx, the new organisation echoed the demands of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) that called upon the MDA government meeting and to pressurise the government to take the matter seriously.
Sangma was also critical of the Them Iew Mawlong issue that almost brought the state to a standstill and questioned the seriousness of the High Level Committee which has come up with no solution as yet.
He pointed out to the irony of the state which is soon to achieve the 50 years milestone in 2022, however its inter-state and international borders are marred with disputes.
He commented on the futility of entry and exit points to check influx as the government has failed to check the large number of immigrants who have entered the state illegally.
Asked about the demand for Garoland, Sangma said there was no consultation by the pro-Garoland groups with the Garos residing in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Giving a vague response, he, however said their stand may change in the future.
According to Sangma, there has to be a need to strengthen the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities and urged for unity among the tribes. The organisation will also take up the need to have proper infrastructural development wherein children are forced to walk 10.5 kms to school, better health amenities in the rural areas.
On the security front, the AKHAF has urged the government to set up two police outpost at Bagli and Khonjoy.
