BJP tells ADCs to check influx

SHILLONG, Sep 15: With the Centre still not acceding to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) demand, the BJP’s Meghalaya unit wants the three district councils of the state to adopt a traditional system for combatting the problem of illegal influx of people.
State BJP vice president Bernard N Marak on Sunday said while efforts are being made to pursue the ILP demand, the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) should adopt a similar mechanism in the Sixth Schedule areas.
“We are following it up but the only problem is that there is a constitutional barrier. However, since this is a Sixth Schedule area and autonomy has already been given to the ADCs, they can adopt a mechanism like the ILP,” Marak said.
He added that the headmen or the traditional institutions should take it upon themselves to check if people visiting the state are Indians or not.”
Claiming that Meghalaya is bearing the brunt of the influx problem, he said, “We have our mechanism in place through which we can check illegal migration. We should allow the tourists (to visit the state).”
Marak said ILP is important and it will be pursued. He, however, said if ILP is granted, it must be ensured that it does not dilute the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, or overlap the authorities or the autonomy of the ADCs and the traditional heads.  “We should encourage the traditional system to control and safeguard our areas,” the BJP leader said.
Meanwhile, talking about railways, he said, “I think Meghalaya should be connected by railways. Alternate ways should be found out to connect Khasi Hills. As regards Garo Hills, we are ready. It has come till Mendipathar.”
Referring to the opposition to railways in Khasi Hills, he said, “We cannot go against the will of the people. Only if they are willing, we should consider railways in those parts.”
He highlighted that heavy vehicles are required to take a detour due to the condition of the Umiam bridge and it, in turn, caused the escalation of prices of essential commodities. He added that the railways would make things easier and economical.
‘BJP will revive GHADC in 6 months if given charge’
Talking about the issues afflicting GHADC, Marak urged the NPP and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to hand over the council to the BJP if it cannot keep its commitment to its employees.
“NPP should let BJP lead GHADC if it cannot keep its own commitment to its employees. NPP issued a notification in 2018 to disburse salaries under the 5th Pay Commission and ever since then the budget has been passed in 5th Pay Commission but the employees have been cheated since 2018 by the previous NPP Executive Committee by issuing salaries under 4th Pay Commission,” Marak said.
Bernard asserted that it was only the BJP that could solve the financial anomalies in GHADC, even as he claimed that many attempts were made by the NPP to highlight GHADC to the Centre as an incapable institution.
“I have proof of the letters written by NPP ministers. NPP should hand over GHADC to BJP to lead and we can ensure stability, strengthening and revamping of the council within 6 months,” Bernard dared.