Ex-MLA alleged nexus between Centre and state to silence ILP demand

“I highly suspect that the Centre and the state are in connivance to silence the demand for ILP in the state,” Basaiawmoit said while addressing at a pledge taking ceremony of first batch members of the Revolution Iada La Ka Ri at Mawlai on Thursday.

The ex-MLA, who is spearheading the Revolution, was referring to the meeting of the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“The talks between the chief minister and the union home minister have now shifted from ILP to Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), a clear attempt to quiet the ILP demand,” he said.

Basaiawmoit also recalled that he had expressed doubt on the sincerity of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government after the resolution for implementation of ILP was passed in the state Assembly.

“Looking at the way things are, the day is very far for the state to get ILP,” he said.

It may be mentioned here that Shah has asked the state government and Ministry of Home Affairs to come up with amicable solution to ensure passage of the MRSS (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which is lying pending with Centre.

Stating that ILP is a very strong regulation to protect the indigenous people from influx and illegal immigrants, Basaiawmoit said, “There is no other law which can give protection like the ILP.”

Asserting the need to fight against corruption in the state, the convener of the revolution said, “As the state is facing huge crisis, there are people who have been elected to power for only two years, are busy buying lands…people should be silent against corruption.”

Basaiawmoit also maintained that the revolution is not at all against legal mining and transportation of coal.

“For those who are depending their livelihoods from mining, we are not against legal mining of coal but we strongly opposed illegal mining of coal as this led to huge revenue loss to the state because very few are benefiting,” he said.

Urging the citizens to support the revolution, Basaiawmoit said that the revolution has a clear vision and direction to lead the indigenous people on various issues.

“The Centre and the State will have to turn to this revolution led by Ardent Basaiawmoit,” he said.

The other issues to be taken up by the revolution include the long pending boundary dispute with Assam and mining of uranium.

By Our Reporter