Shillong, Aug 18: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has again urged the state government to take immediate, decisive and time-bound action on two longstanding demands concerning the protection of the indigenous people of the state—amendment/modification of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, and the immediate implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
A statement issued on Tuesday (Aug 18) by CoMSO president Roy Kupar Synrem said that these are not new demands but arise from longstanding concerns relating to indigenous rights, demographic security, land, employment, political representation and cultural identity.
On the ST Order, 1950, CoMSO reiterated that the matter requires urgent action in view of Meghalaya’s distinct constitutional and demographic circumstances. While acknowledging the government’s Working Group/Committee, CoMSO stressed that committees and meetings cannot become an excuse for indefinite delay.
The government must disclose the present status, recommendations and concrete steps taken with the Government of India, and ensure that the matter reaches a definite conclusion through the appropriate constitutional process, Synrem said.
Regarding ILP, CoMSO reiterated its demand for immediate implementation in Meghalaya.
“ILP is not intended to obstruct legitimate tourism, business, education, employment or other lawful activities, but to regulate and monitor the entry and stay of persons from outside the state, with appropriate provisions for bona fide visitors.
CoMSO pointed out that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has already expressed its support for ILP, and the time has now come to move from repeated representations to a concrete decision and implementation.
CoMSO also called upon the state government to Immediately renew and pursue the ILP demand with the Union Government at the highest level;seek a formal and time-bound response from the Government of India;expedite the process concerning amendment/modification of the ST Order, 1950; make public the present status and recommendations on the ST Order; place before the people a clear roadmap with measurable timelines for both demands.
CoMSO stated that the people of Meghalaya have waited long enough for substantive action.
The organisation warned that continued inaction would compel CoMSO, in consultation with its constituent organisations and stakeholders, to consider further necessary actions against the government to pursue these longstanding demands.
