The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has threatened to resort to agitation if Centre further delays appointment for discussion on the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
This came after a delegation of the CoMSO met the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday to remind the state government about the proposed meeting at New Delhi.
It may be mentioned here that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to the state had assured to meet the state cabinet as well as leaders of various pressure groups in New Delhi for discussion on the ILP issue.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, CoMSO chairman Robertjune Kharjahrin said, “We were informed that the deputy chief minister is likely to leave for Delhi on February 5 and the chief minister is likely to leave for Delhi on February 7. Of course, they have other things (to discuss) but appointment with the union home minister is also one of the agenda.”
Kharjahrin said, “We are waiting for the appointment as we believe dialogue is also very important and we do hope that the union home minister honours what he had assured to the chief minister that he would meet us and we hope through this meeting, the matter will be settled.”
He also warned, “If the union home minister delays in giving the appointment, it would mean that he is not serious and we will be compelled to announce our agitation.”
Kharjahrin however, said it is very important for them to remain positive since they have been fighting for implementation of the ILP for a very long time.
“If appointment is given, we want to impress upon the Home Ministry and the BJP-led NDA government that the people in the state need to be safeguarded and protected. We do hope the Government of India understands this aspiration and the moment they do, I do not see that there will be any hurdles from the part of the Centre and ministry of home affairs to grant sanction for implementation of ILP in the state of Meghalaya,” he said.
