SHILLONG, Dec 17: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Meghalaya, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expecting assurances from the PM but with a catch — in view of the upcoming elections, Modi will “give responses or pacify people on issues with some political leaning of the BJP”.
Opposition chief whip George B Lyngdoh said, “Expectations will always be very high considering the Prime Minister visiting the state after a long time with so many issues pending, but considering the fact that we are in election mode, the PM will give responses or pacify the people on issues with some political leaning of the BJP.”
Issues such as the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, the vexed interstate boundary dispute with Assam, and inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution among others are pending and staring at the state and central government for a solution.
The pressure groups are also expecting a meeting with either the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister to express their grievances and seek a clear picture on the Centre’s stand.
However, despite asking the state government to facilitate such a dialogue, there, however, was no confirmation till Saturday night.
The Meghalaya Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution during a special session on December 19, 2019, urging the Centre to implement the ILP in the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and supported by all members of the House cutting across party lines.
Almost three years down the line, the Centre has not said anything beyond the “we are examining the matter”, although the ministers, MLAs and members of pressure groups met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on several occasions.
