Shillong, Aug 12 (IANS) The United Democratic Party (UDP) has urged the Centre to expedite the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya, arguing that existing safeguards are no longer sufficient to protect the state’s indigenous population from demographic and socio‑economic pressures.
A UDP delegation led by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and raised the ILP demand along with several other long‑pending issues concerning Meghalaya. Rymbui said the ILP proposal was discussed in detail during the meeting. Still, the Centre indicated that the matter would require examination as it has implications for other states as well.
“We have discussed the ILP resolution. He said this has to be studied as it involves different states. We are not isolated. We will raise the issue from time to time,” Rymbui told reporters on Wednesday.
The UDP leader said Meghalaya already has safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and the Land Transfer Act, but argued that additional legal mechanisms are required to protect the interests of indigenous communities.
“With time, we realised we need more laws to protect the indigenous people of the state,” he said.
The delegation also sought early clearance of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which was passed by the state Assembly and subsequently referred by the Governor to the Union Home Ministry. Rymbui said Shah informed the delegation that there were “two or three points” that Meghalaya needed to address before the Centre could consider approval.
Another key demand was the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Rymbui said Shah indicated that the process was underway and asked the state to remain patient.
The UDP also raised the long‑pending relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, saying the state requires allotment of defence land for the project.
On minority rights, the delegation sought legal recognition for indigenous faiths such as Niam Khasi and Niamtre, arguing that followers of traditional faiths should also receive minority‑related benefits.
The party further sought central assistance for Meghalaya’s state university, changes in recruitment norms for 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and a new national highway along the international border from Mahendraganj through Baghmara and Ranikor.
–IANS
tdr/dan
