By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Toughening their stand against the ‘indifference’ of the State Government in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) the various NGOs have made it clear they would not accept any invitation for talks unless there is a steadfast commitment from the government on the issue.
Announcing their future course of action to put pressure on the government to implement the ILP, the NGOs informed that a public meeting would be organised at Motphran on August 16. The NGOs also plan to mobilize a rally to the Main Secretariat following the meeting.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the ten pressure groups including the KSU, FKJGP, GSU, HNYF, RBYF, JSU and CSWO at the KSU’s office at Jaiaw, here on Thursday.
“We are holding this public meeting to mobilise public support for immediate implementation of the ILP to check influx and flow of illegal immigrants,” KSU president Daniel Khyriem told reporters after the meeting.
“We have given enough time (to the government) to put in place a full proof mechanism to check influx of illegal migrants,” Khyriem said adding that when the NGOs approached Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma in April, the latter had asked for time to enable the Government to make necessary deliberations on the issue but nothing has materialized so far.
“The indifference on the part of the Government has stirred the NGOs to heighten their demand,” the KSU leader said.
Khyriem also accused the government of taking advantage of the moderate stance of the pressure groups. “Being silent on the issue does not mean we are weak,” he said.
The pressure groups are demanding immediate implementation of the recommendations made by the High Level Committee on Influx (HLCI) headed by the then Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong.
Meanwhile, FKJGP president Joe Marwein said, “We will announce our agitation plans at the public meeting on August 16.” He said, “The pressure groups have been able to garner public response as a result of the earlier meetings held in the different districts of the State.”