The Meghalaya government’s recent claim, made by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system needs to be modified in the state has drawn sharp criticism from the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO).
Reacting to the statement, HITO said that as far back as 2013, the Meghalaya government had already introduced a modified version of the ILP in the form of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), which, according to the organisation, was stronger and more effective than the ILP itself.
HITO alleged that despite the enactment of MRSSA, the law was never implemented on the ground, leaving the indigenous population unprotected.
HITO president stated that it is unclear how long the state government intends to continue confusing and misleading the public on the issue.
“How long will the state government keep changing its stand, and how many times will it attempt to mislead the people?” the HITO president questioned.
The organisation also issued a strong warning to the government, stating that if it is unable to implement the ILP, it should refrain from making claims that mislead the public.
HITO pointed out that the people of the state have already witnessed the failure of MRSSA since 2013, as the Act never became operational.
The statement reflects growing public concern over the lack of effective measures to regulate the influx of outsiders and protect indigenous rights in Meghalaya.