By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Sunday expressed concern over the lack of clarity from the Centre on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state, nearly six years after the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to extend the system to the state.
Addressing the issue, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said despite repeated agitations and demands by the organisation, there has been no visible or positive response from the Government of India since the resolution was adopted on December 19, 2019.
He stated that the union remains uncertain whether the delay is due to lack of seriousness on the part of the state government or the unwillingness of the central government, as no clear clarification has been received from either side.
Marngar further said that the KSU did not receive any clarity even after attempting to hold discussions with ministers of the Government of India on the matter.
The KSU president also drew attention to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), which has been in force since 2016. He alleged that the state government has failed to provide clarity on the steps taken to effectively implement the Act.
“Whenever we seek answers, the state government only responds by saying that the matter is under examination by the Government of India,” he said.
Marngar warned that the continued delay in implementing laws and provisions meant to protect the indigenous people of Meghalaya poses a serious threat to the state’s demography and identity.
He added that the lack of progress on ILP and MRSSA clearly indicates the urgency for decisive action to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population.
