Ardent asks political leaders to exercise restraint on ILP

SHILLONG: Former MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit has asserted that leaders and politicians should not make any statement on Inner Line Permit (ILP) that would jeopardise the legitimate demand of the people of the state.
In a statement issued here, Basaiawmoit said that a number of statements made by leaders and political parties in connection with the implementation of the ILP are just an attempt to create confusion in the minds of the people.
He observed that it is very unfortunate that after a resolution has been adopted in the legislative Assembly, efforts are now being made to confuse the common people.
“The recent protests and agitations throughout the state were perhaps the principal reason that compelled the government of the day and opposition legislators to agree on a resolution to bring the State of Meghalaya under the ILP system,” he said.
He criticised Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and his colleague in the cabinet, A L Hek, saying that they are not at all serious and determined to bring the state under the purview of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873.
“It also shows that the political leadership in the state is so weak and spineless and does not have the courage to put pressure and negotiate with the central government to bring in measures like the ILP for the protection of the interest of the indigenous people,” Basaiawmoit said.
In this connection, the former legislator asked the people of the state to be vigilant and not to be misled by such irresponsible statements.
Further, he said that the citizens need to be resilient and continue to struggle relentlessly till the goal of implementation of the ILP is achieved and ensure the security and safety of the coming generation.