Shillong, July 24: That the current confrontation between Khasi Students Union (KSU) and the State Government could have been averted if the State Government stick to its earlier stand to speed up the formulation of strong mechanism and shows some seriousness on ground to fight the inflow of illegal immigrants rather than resorting to lip service .
KSU are fighting for the cause and their area of concerned needs to be addressed through consultations’ and dialogue. High handedness on the part of government agencies’ is uncalled for and by conducting random raids on KSU members’ place is not only creating fear psychosis among the local populace of the region but also serves as an open provocation which will pave a way for serious law and order problem in the state.
The situation will spiral out of hand if the government continues to show its dictatorial attitude towards our people. Therefore in view of this imbroglio, AYWO as a member organization of 13 Pressure Groups fighting for ILP and comprehensive mechanism since 2011 to check influx, stand by KSU and its apprehension towards Railway in Khasi Hills and will extend our support in every possible way to our KSU brothers.
The AYWO are also sincerely looking forward to the assurance given to 13 organizations by chief minister in our meeting held at secretariat on 19th of July to start the facilitation centre at Mendipather railway station to check the inflow of outsiders to Garo Hills at the earliest. The Chief Minister must stick to his words and proceed with all the necessary ground work and preparations’ for setting up the same. We genuinely opined that the assurance is given in good faith and optimistically hoping to see the array of light in setting up of Facilitation Centre at Memdipathar Railway Station.
With regards to the implementation of Meghalaya (Benami Transaction Prohibition) Act 2016 and Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act, AYWO will wait and watch the promises given by the State Government that they will craft out the rules following the passage of two mentioned acts before 15th of August 2017 so that the two legislation of the state government became effective in letter and spirit.
The government should issue or notify the concrete directions by making strict rules and regulation for all the Deputy Commissioners’ office and the concerned department to constitute the District Task Force as mandated under Section 5 (1) of Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act and Section 4(1) of Meghalaya (Benami Transaction Prohibition) Act 2016. Simultaneously on the other hand, government should initiate the sensitization programs for all the stake holders and local authority so as to equip with better understanding to be a part in the whole exercise of execution of these acts. Said Mr Sengbath Chambugong Marak General Secretary of the AJYWO.
