Newmai News Network
Shillong | February 5
The demand raised for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya is subject to discussion as has been stated by the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday.
“We (MDA) are open to that (implementation of ILP) but it is subjected to discussion. Therefore, you cannot tell us to immediately implement it,” he said.
He said the state government will find ways to protect the indigenous population if the Central government goes ahead with its decision to make the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill a law.
Tynsong also said that the state government is already in the process of strengthening the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 to check influx and illegal immigration into the state.
Earlier during a massive public meeting held in the state capital on January 31, the KHADC chief Hispreaching Son Shylla had served a one-week ultimatum to the government demanding the immediate approval of the Bill related to the implementation of the ILP in the Khasi Hills region.
Reacting to this, Tynsong asked the KHADC chief to stop making the matter an “emotional issue”.
Tynsong informed that the National People’s party (NPP) under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and other political parties from the North East region have led a delegation to take up the matter with the Centre at New Delhi.
“We have met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and told the government not to implement the Citizenship Bill. We have also met the NDA allies who have also agreed and assured to oppose the Bill,” the NPP leader said.
Informing that the delegation led by the chief minister has also served an ultimatum to the BJP-led NDA government on the matter, Tynsong said, “We will wait and see whether they (Centre) will place the CAB in Rajya Sabha or not till February 13.”
