SHILLONG, JULY 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday alleged that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not responded to two letters sent by the Meghalaya government seeking the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), and claimed that the Centre appears to have taken the union’s representation more seriously due to its “strong determination” on the issue.
Citing information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar said the Meghalaya government had written to the MHA regarding ILP only twice — once in 2019 and again in 2020.
“So far, there has been no communication from the Government of India to the state government regarding these two letters,” Najiar said.
He contrasted this with the response received by the KSU after its delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month.
“We submitted a memorandum on ILP to the Home Minister, and we received a reply within a week. I don’t understand why the MHA is not responding to the Government of Meghalaya but is responding to us. Maybe the Government of India respects KSU more than it respects the state government,” Najiar remarked.
He added that the union has remained consistent in its stand on the demand for ILP.
“We are firm in our determination. We have never wavered in our position on this issue,” he said.
The KSU leader also accused the Meghalaya government of lacking urgency in addressing issues related to illegal influx and the security of indigenous citizens.
“When it comes to other matters, the Government of Meghalaya is proactive. But when it comes to the security of our citizens and the issue of influx, the government remains silent,” he alleged.
Najiar also referred to the amendment to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act, passed two years ago following KSU’s anti-influx drives, which he claimed resulted in the expulsion of thousands of migrant labourers.
“Even after two years of the amendment being passed, it is still awaiting the Governor’s assent,” he said.
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Drawing a comparison with Manipur, Najiar argued that political will was the key factor behind the state’s successful implementation of the Inner Line Permit.
“Why did Manipur get ILP within a short period? Because its political leadership showed strong political will and determination, compelling the Government of India to approve it,” he said.
“In Meghalaya, it appears that discussions on ILP are limited to photo opportunities with Union Ministers. There is no serious dialogue or follow-up. The RTI clearly shows that Delhi has not responded to the two letters sent by the state government. That is a matter of great concern and a shameful reflection of the government’s handling of this issue,” Najiar added.
