SHILLONG, Dec 19: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Saturday said the Centre should address the demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya on the basis of ground reality and not any political consideration.
“The Union government cannot ignore the voices of the people. It should explain the delay and the fragmented approach in giving ILP to some states and denying it to Meghalaya,” UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said.
“Sensitive issues need to be addressed appropriately, not on the basis of political consideration but on ground reality,” he said.
A resolution to urge the Centre to implement ILP in Meghalaya was passed unanimously by the state Assembly earlier. Stating that the government of the day should continue to pursue the matter aggressively and pressurise the Centre, Mawthoh said, “The silence on the part of the Union government will only increase public anger and mistrust.”
Appreciating the all-out effort put in by all stakeholders in demanding ILP, he said, “I appreciate them, be it the government or the pressure groups. The Governor has been also responsive. He said he would pursue the matter with Delhi.”
Earlier, the leaders of various political parties and pressure groups met Governor Satya Pal Malik and requested him to take up the issue with the Centre.
They had also urged him to consider giving his assent to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Act (MRSSA) for its speedy implementation as it is expected to check the influx of illegal immigrants into the state.
Malik on Saturday left for New Delhi where he is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discuss the issues. A lot is expected of the visit. The pressure groups have already asserted that they were expecting a positive outcome.
