Shillong, June 04: The Khasi Student Union today met the Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah on his visit to Shillong attending NEC meeting in the presence of the Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma submitted memorandum seeking implementation of Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya,to resolved the interstate border dispute with Assam and inclusion of Khasi language in the Eight Scheduled.
The memorandum submitted by the Khasi Students’ Union express its concerns over various pending issues in the state of Meghalaya which needs yours and the Government of India intervention. Firstly, the long-standing demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
Meghalaya, known for its pristine beauty and rich tribal heritage, is home to indigenous communities of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos who have distinct identities, language, laws and also the lands are protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
However, over the years there has been an unchecked illegal immigration which has led to the change in the demographic structure of the State and has endangered the existence of the microscopic tribal communities.
The illegal migration has accelerated in the recent months aseviction drive of the illegal Muslim occupation in Assam and West Bengal has push these illegal migrants to migrate to Meghalaya as there are no protective laws in the State against such illegal migrants.
The ILP system acts as a crucial legal safeguard to regulate the entry and duration of stay of non-local visitors. It has successfully preserved the demographic balance and cultural fabric of ourneighbouring states as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and most recently, Manipur.
The extension of ILP to Manipur in 2019 has strengthened the collective hope of the people of Meghalaya that the Government of India will extend the same protective umbrella to Meghalaya.
It is pertinent to mention that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on December 19, 2019, urging the Government of India to implement ILP in the state.
This resolution reflects the absolute consensus and democratic will of the people, cutting across all political lines, civil society groups and traditional institutions. The desire of ILP is not born outof isolationism but out of a legitimate, deeply felt need to protect our land, rights and cultural identity for future generations.
Secondly, in regards to inter-state border dispute, the Union appreciate the proactive initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs in recent years in regards to the signing of the first-phase Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March, 2022 to solve the border dispute with Assam.
The remaining areas of differences as Langpih, Block – I & II, Nongwah Mawtamur, Psiar-Khanduli, Borduar and others are highly sensitive. Tensions frequently flare up in these sectors due to constant provocation of Assam leading to law-and-order breakdown and disruption in livelihood and essential developmental works.
The Union request the Ministry of Home Affairs to act as a primary facilitator to fast track the Phase-II joint-committee talks, ensuring that the principles of historical facts, ethnic contiguity, administrative convenience and most importantly, the willingness of the local residents to be respected.
The Union would like to request through your Hon’ble Office, that the state of Assam must not act as an aggressor and must keep peace until these issues are resolved. Thirdly, the Union earnestly request the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eight Scheduled of the Constitution of India.
The long-cherished aspiration of the people of the State is not merely a linguistic demand but a vital step towards preserving the rich cultural heritage and constitutional identity of the Khasis. The Khasi language fulfils all the requisite criteria for inclusion in the Eight Scheduled, backed by robust historical, literary and demographic foundation.
Thus, the Union humbly request your esteemed office to kindly consider the unanimous resolution of the Meghalaya assembly and take necessary executive steps to extend the Inner Line Permit system to Meghalaya, to intervene in the border dispute with Assam so as to have a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to border dispute and to initiate necessary legislative process for the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eight Scheduled.
Your decisive leadership in these matters would go a long way in reassuring the indigenous people of the State and fostering long-term peace,stability and trust, the memorandum was sign by the President Raymond Kharjana and the General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar Khasi Students’ Union.
