By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 29: Co-Chairman of the State Planning Board, Ollan Sing Suin, has welcomed the Meghalaya government’s decision to explore fresh legal mechanisms to protect the state’s indigenous communities.
Suin described the move as a “constructive and timely step”, especially since two crucial protective legislations — the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the amended Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) — continue to remain pending with the Centre.
“The State Assembly has already unanimously passed a resolution demanding implementation of the ILP. The government, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is actively pursuing the matter with the Union government so that it can be enacted by Parliament and become a full-fledged Act to safeguard our indigenous people,” he said.
On the MRSSA, Suin, who is also the Mawsynram MLA, pointed out that the amended version was sent for Presidential assent long ago but is yet to receive clearance.
While appreciating the state’s decision to look for alternative legal options, he cited recent developments in neighbouring Assam — including large-scale eviction drives and removal of alleged illegal settlers from government land — as a wake-up call.
“Meghalaya must have strong legal safeguards in place to ensure we do not face similar vulnerabilities,” he stressed.
Suin also lauded civil society organisations and pressure groups for remaining vigilant on issues concerning indigenous rights, saying their consistent advocacy keeps the government alert.
He reiterated that the implementation of both the ILP and the amended MRSSA would provide long-term security to the state. In the interim, he said, the government, law-enforcement agencies and traditional institutions (durbars) are working in close coordination to check illegal infiltration.
