ILP stalemate prolongs

SHILLONG: The State Government’s view of the demand of NGOs on ILP as a ‘law and order problem’ has resulted in the prolonged unrest pending any solution to the issue.

The arrest of more than 50 activists, constitution of a special court for their trial, amendment of Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and Indian Penal Code and the use of Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act are the measures Government took to address the issue.

The MMPO and IPC were amended to provide maximum punishment to the violators of law during the agitations.

The State Government also filed a damage suit of over Rs 31 crore in the special court against the NGOs which in the long run may remain impractical.

The State Government has also sought deployment of additional forces from the Centre to deal with the law and order problem.

While the State Government has ruled out introduction of ILP system and insisted for the implementation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill, the 10 NGOs had indicated that they can come forward for talks only if Government discusses ILP.

For almost eight weeks, the stalemate over the issue of ILP continues with the cabinet and the party entrusting the matter to be dealt by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.

Earlier, during the meetings, both the Congress Legislature Party and the Congress-led coalition Meghalaya United Alliance had endorsed the view of the Chief Minister on ILP.

In the past, the former Chief Minister SC Marak had indicated the need to initiate dialogue with the NGOs to end the current impasse.

There are many Congressmen who wanted to end the present crisis by holding talks with the NGOs, but they do not want to come on record due to the stand of the Chief Minister on the issue.

Moreover some ministers are tightlipped when asked about initiating dialogue with the NGOs.

The State Government is yet to use the Cabinet Committee on Public Grievances to reach out to the agitating NGOs to find a solution.

It was in 2007 that the then Government revived the Cabinet Committee on Public Grievances to meet some NGOs who were planning to launch agitations over the arrest of their leaders who protested against the implementation of High Security Registration Plates at a higher rate .

Law and order steps

• Arrest of over 50 activists 
• Special court to try ILP cases 
• Amendment of MMPO Act, IPC,Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act
• Seeking Central security forces