SHILLONG, SEPT 9: On the backdrop of agitations by the ngos to pressurize the state government for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) has requested them to reconsider their mode of protest to avoid consequences that may impede the economic development of the state and lead to large scale unemployment and poverty in the years to come.
“We appeal to all the ngos to reconsider their mode of protest as in today’s modern and dynamic world, bandhs, road blockades and picketing are major detriments that will impact the socio economic development of the state,” the MTDF said in a release issued on Monday.
Stating that Meghalaya today is on the threshold of carving a niche for itself as a tourists destination of repute nationally as well as internationally, the MTDF said, “It is therefore very crucial that normal life is unaffected for the overall development and welfare of the state,” adding “In a state where more than 50% of the population (15 lac youth) are below the age of 25, it is very important that various sectors of the economy are developed in order to create opportunities of employment for these youth in the next couple of years.”
The MTDF believes that the price of crippling the local economy at this crucial juncture far outweighs any demand or issue affecting the state today. Meghalaya cannot afford to not adopt measures and make rapid strides towards economic development if we are to provide means of a livelihood and employment for our youth tomorrow, MTDF release stated.
It further stated that in the general elections that concluded 6 months ago the ILP demand was not adopted by any of the major political parties as an election issue. However, with the district council and Lok Sabha elections round the corner, perhaps this issue may be taken up by the various political parties backing the cause.
The MTDF release also reminded that Manipur had recently passed legislation in the state assembly for the implementation of ILP in the state; however the bill was turned down by the central government.
“ILP being a 19th century bill and drafted during the colonial era for issues of that period, it is not going to be conclusively decided upon very quickly, leave alone enacted,” the MTDF said even as it pointed out that in fact for ILP to become an act of law, the bill would need to be passed in the state assembly and thereafter Parliament would still have to vote in favour of ILP.
Stating that if the proponents of the ILP think that the current infiltration gate at Byrnihat has failed in its purpose to check illegal influx of immigrants, the MTDF said, “Then what reason do we have that the ILP check gate at the same place can achieve otherwise.”
Meghalaya has a national highway that links three other north eastern states passing through the state. The practicalities and feasibility aspect of implementation of ILP may also be thoroughly thought of, The release stated.
Stating that this issue therefore need to be discussed and debated upon by the vibrant civil society, the MTDF said, “We feel that the ILP is a deterrent to economic development of all north eastern states. It shall become a stumbling block to the global attitude of sharing of professional and technical knowledge which our state so badly requires in our quest to be at par with other states of mainland India.”
The MTDF requested the NGOs to refrain from adopting any means of protest and demand that will affect the welfare of the state and be detrimental to the economic development of Meghalaya. The people of Meghalaya may be given a chance to decide on the issue in the next assembly elections, it said.
According to the MTDF, as per statistics available, Meghalaya has seen lesser immigration in the last 10 years as compared to states that have implemented the ILP, so the matter may be thoroughly debated by all stakeholders of the state and democratically decided upon thereafter.- By Our Reporter
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