By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While underlining the need for a better mechanism to safeguard the ethnic identity of local indigenous population which is being allegedly threatened by unabated influx, several prominent NGOs have reiterated their demand for implementation of the Inner-Line Permit (ILP) in the state.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Tuesday, the NGOs — KSU, FKJGP, RBYF, HNYF, JYF, CSWO and Khasi Women Welfare and Development Association (KWADDA) — urged the State Government to come up with an anti-influx mechanism in the form of ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 which will restrict the entry of ‘outsiders’ to the State.
“The problem of influx has been plaguing the State for the last 30 years and the menace has grown rapidly due to lack of sincerity and political will on the part of successive governments. It is clear that unless something tangible is done, Meghalaya might go the Tripura way in the not too distant future,” the NGOs stated.
The NGOs pointed out that the threat posed by influx has reached alarming levels in some parts of the state like East Jaintia Hills, International border belt of Garo Hills and in the inter-state border areas of Ri-Bhoi district.
Pointing out that the present government had in September 2011 announced implementation of Work Permit system in the state, the NGOs said it is sad that the process of actual implementation has not yet taken place.