By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 25: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Saturday objected to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s remarks regarding opposition to the state government’s proposal to introduce an “ILP-like mechanism” in Meghalaya.
The KSU stressed that no one can oppose or support the proposal without first understanding its details. Speaking to reporters, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said the organisation cannot take a position on a proposal whose contents remain unclear.
He asked whether the Chief Minister had presented any concrete blueprint of the so-called ILP-like mechanism proposed to the Centre. “How can anyone express opposition or dissatisfaction when there is confusion over what exactly an ILP-like mechanism means? Has the Chief Minister presented any clear blueprint?” Marngar asked.
He further questioned whether citizens should rely solely on media reports without being formally informed about the framework or conditions of the proposed law. “Only after there is clarity can we assess what kind of law this ILP-like mechanism will actually be,” he added.
Touching upon the ongoing border dispute settlement process, Marngar said the organisation does not clearly understand the progress being made. Although regional committees have been formed, no concrete conclusions have been made public so far.
Marngar also reiterated that his comments were focused on the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), a law in force since 2016, which he alleged has been handled casually by the government. “We stand firm that the government must implement the ILP. Even if the ILP is not granted, the MRSSA must be properly enforced to safeguard the state against an unchecked influx of outsiders,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Minister stated that the government would invite all political parties and civil society organisations to discuss its proposal for an ILP-like provision under the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He said the move aims to address the influx and illegal immigration in the state and described opposition without understanding the proposal as premature.
“Our core issue is illegal immigration. It is not ILP, the Immigration Act, or the MRSSA. We need effective laws and mechanisms to check illegal immigration,” Sangma said, urging opposition parties and organisations to engage in constructive dialogue.
He maintained that the government is open to criticism and correction, but emphasised that this must happen through discussion. “We are not claiming that our proposal is absolutely right. We could be wrong. But we can reach that conclusion only through dialogue,” he said, adding that the government is exploring alternative legal options to tackle the problem.
