Shillong, Aug 18: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged the Meghalaya government to take immediate, decisive and time-bound action on the amendment of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, and implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State.
According to CoMSO, both demands stem from long standing concerns over indigenous rights, demographic security, land, jobs, political representation and cultural identity, and cannot be put off any longer.
On the ST Order, the confederation acknowledged that a government working group is in place but cautioned against letting the process drag on indefinitely.
It said committees and meetings should not become a reason for delay and called on the government to make public the current status and recommendations, along with the steps already taken up with the Centre, so that the matter can be taken to its logical conclusion through the proper constitutional process.
The group also reiterated its demand for immediate implementation of ILP, clarifying that the mechanism is not meant to block legitimate tourism, business, education or employment, but to regulate and monitor the entry and stay of outsiders, with due provisions for genuine visitors.
Noting that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has already extended its support to ILP, CoMSO said the time has come to move beyond repeated representations.
It urged the state government to take up the matter with the Union government at the highest level and secure a formal, time-bound response.
The organisation warned that if the government continues to delay, it will be forced to consult its constituent bodies and stakeholders and take “further necessary actions” to push for the two longstanding demands.
