By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 31: Former Nongkrem MLA Lambor Malngiang has maintained that Meghalaya’s role as a transit state is the primary obstacle to the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873.
“We need to dwell on this matter and find a solution so that the implementation of the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873, does not create inconvenience for genuine citizens of this country,” Malngiang stated while addressing media persons here.
He noted that unlike Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, which have ILP, Meghalaya serves as a transit route to other states.
Malngiang highlighted that a resolution to implement the ILP was passed in the Assembly due to strong pressure from various groups.
Asserting that the state government has actively pursued the matter with the Centre, despite some issues raised by the latter, he said, “It will be wrong to say that the government was not following up with the Centre on the ILP issue.”
Regarding the emergence of new political entities, Malngiang remarked, “I would not like to comment about the VPP since they have their own ideology and agenda. We also have our own ideology. We can debate on our respective ideologies on any public platform.”
When asked if he plans to contest the district council election from the UDP or as an independent, Malngiang responded that party affiliation is secondary to leadership in the eyes of the voters.
“It does not matter since people do not look at the party while voting,” he said.
