Amid clamour for ILP, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma invites pressure groups for talks tomorrow

The meeting comes in the backdrop of pressure groups voluntarily putting up check gates at entry points into Meghalaya to prevent outsiders from entering the state

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has invited pressure groups like the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) for talks tomorrow.

The meeting holds great significance as it comes in the backdrop of pressure groups voluntarily putting up check gates at different entry points, checking work permits to deter outsiders from entering the state and working there.

East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner RM Kurbah, in a letter to the KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah said, “The Chief Minister desires to hold a meeting with some of the members of the Union in his office chamber on July 19 at 12 pm”.

Earlier in the day, replying to queries from the media on the issue of demand for ILP in the state, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “This is a long-standing matter that has engaged the attention of the government and the state assembly has in fact, adopted a resolution to the effect that ILP should be implemented, so this is likely to figure prominently in the discussions with the NGOs, because everyone needs to fight in tandem.”

He said that the government is trying to address the various issues and concerns and he is optimistic that something tangible, substantive and fruitful will emerge from the discussion.

He further said, “It shouldn’t be the Government of Meghalaya versus NGOs of Meghalaya, rather it should be the Government of Meghalaya and the NGOs of Meghalaya, in tandem working towards finding a lasting solution.”

Earlier this month, pressure groups had set up check gates in Ri Bhoi district and East Jaintia Hills. They also checked documents and work permits of people entering Meghalaya and working there.
The state also reported incidents of workers from outside being beaten up and killed by some unidentified men.

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