By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 18: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Monday renewed its demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and urged the Centre to grant the state its own Territorial Army—similar to the one approved for Mizoram.
The KSU warned that if the central and state governments continue to delay action on ILP, it may be forced to take matters into its own hands.
Speaking to reporters during a sit-in protest held in front of the old Assembly premises at Khyndai Lad, KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah reiterated the long-standing demand for stronger border protection and local enforcement mechanisms.
He recalled that the idea of a local paramilitary unit or “People’s Army” was first raised during the 2001 Pyrdiwah incident when Paul Lyngdoh was the KSU president. “At that time, we had urged the Meghalaya government to create a unit that could guard our borders. Now, with the Centre granting Mizoram the authority to form a Territorial Army, we believe Meghalaya should also be given the same opportunity,” Thabah said.
He emphasised that such a unit should comprise indigenous residents, both at officer and personnel levels. “If the Government of India can offer this to Mizoram, why not to Meghalaya?” he argued.
Raising concerns about regional security, he mentioned the ongoing eviction drives in Assam and the political situation in Bangladesh. He said the displaced in Assam might enter Meghalaya.
“This poses a real threat to our identity and resources,” the KSU general secretary warned.
On the issue of ILP, Thabah accused both the Centre and the state government of lacking seriousness.
“Despite repeated appeals, the Centre has remained adamant. The state government also has not pursued the matter with the urgency it warrants,” he said.
Thabah said the KSU has already begun implementing its own version of ILP through volunteer-led monitoring in border areas, highways, and other entry points.
“We are working with traditional institutions to identify individuals without valid documentation,” he said, adding that this exercise will continue unless formal mechanisms are put in place.
Asked if taking the law into their own hands is justified, Thabah responded, “We’re compelled to do so because there are no laws protecting the identity and the rights of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. If the government fails, we will act.”
He highlighted the limitations of the police in dealing with illegal migration. “Even though we cooperate with the police during checks, their hands are tied without strong legislation,” he said.
He acknowledged the presence of Border Security Force (BSF) but claimed that infiltration still occurs. “We have met with the BSF. Our volunteers and BSF personnel will now coordinate more closely in monitoring the border,” he added.
Meanwhile, North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) chairman Samuel Jyrwa, who also addressed the media, said the protest was aimed at pressing the state and central governments to take urgent and meaningful actions on illegal immigration.
“Illegal immigration from Bangladesh continues to impact various northeastern states, especially Assam and Meghalaya. We’ve seen unrest and mass movements over the years because of this unchecked infiltration,” Jyrwa said.
He called the current protest a collective effort to push for practical, on-ground measures. He said the ILP demand in Meghalaya dates back to 1983.
“Unfortunately, despite decades of advocacy, successive central governments have failed to implement ILP in Meghalaya and other northeastern states,” he lamented.
The sit-in protest by KSU was part of a region-wide demonstration coordinated by NESO. Protests were held simultaneously in Guwahati, Itanagar, Aizawl, Kohima, Imphal, and Agartala.