SHILLONG, June 29: BJP MLA and former Cabinet Minister AL Hek on Monday called for a balanced approach to the proposed implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP)in Meghalaya, ensuring it supports the state’s interests without causing inconvenience to visitors or transit passengers.
Speaking to reporters, Hek said while the BJP supports the ILP demand, its application should not involve “one-sided restrictions.”
“The government should consider ILP, but there must be clear guidelines. It should benefit both the local population and the tourism sector,” Hek said. He specifically noted that transit passengers travelling through Meghalaya, such as those moving between Guwahati and Silchar, should not face hurdles.
“The movement of people from other states using Meghalaya as a transit route should remain undisturbed,” he added.
On the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Hek confirmed that the state BJP has petitioned the Prime Minister on the matter.
“The Meghalaya BJP president and I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting the inclusion of both languages. Any language that fulfils the prescribed criteria should be accorded priority,” he said, adding that the party is awaiting a response from the Centre.
Addressing the flow of central funds to the state, Hek credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “marathon” of Union Ministers visiting Meghalaya with development packages. He noted that while the MDA government implements these projects, the public is aware they originate from the BJP-led NDA government. “Any political party can take credit, but everyone knows these schemes come from the Prime Minister. What he is doing is a blessing from the BJP at the Centre,” Hek said.
He urged state departments, including the PWD and Health department, to ensure the effective execution of centrally sponsored schemes.
