Traditional heads blamed for influx

SHILLONG: The president of Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People (FKJGP), Wellbirth Rani, has said that some traditional heads are to be blamed for the unabated influx of immigrants into the state.
Asked whether it is too late to tackle influx, he told The Shillong Times that traditional heads have to make it a priority to check influx. “An outsider who enters the state will not go to the government or the NGOs but to the headman,” he said.
“Who gives them permission to stay and get a rented house? It has become a blanket cover for them. Who gave them permission to settle in Majai? he said.
The FKJGP leader also wanted to know who gave NOC to settlers to do business in Iewduh.
He also said at all levels, the state should be free from influx
Commenting on the proposed amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, Rani informed that in the last meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, it was suggested that the 13 pro-ILP groups should also be consulted to get their views and opinions with regard to any amendment.
“When it comes to entry and exit points, these should be made functional and if there is any lacuna it can be rectified and strengthened. Without implementing it how will we know its weakness,” he asked adding that there are some districts that have not constituted the District Task Force.
He maintained that amendment is required to strengthen the act as per the needs of times.
Asked about Inner Line Permit (ILP), Rani said it is not an abandoned subject and indicated it should be implemented. “If possible, we want a mechanism which is stronger than ILP,” he said.
The need to implement ILP was reiterated by the FKJGP during its 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday which was attended by former leaders.