Meghalaya: Pressure groups demanding ILP disappointed after getting 45 secs with Amit Shah

SHILLONG: NGOs and civil society groups of Meghalaya have expressed disappointment after Union home minister Amit Shah gave them only 45 seconds for their long awaited meeting with him to discuss implementation of inner-line permit.

The groups and NGOs included the Confederation of Social Organisation (CoMSO), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Ri-Bhoi Youth Front (RBYF), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Achik Youth Welfare Organization (AYWO) and Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE).

While speaking to the media, CoMSO chairman Robertjune Kharjahrin expressing disappointment said, “We thought that we would be able to discuss the issues with the Union Home Minister but seems like his schedule changed. He did not have the time to discuss and we were able to submit only the memorandum."

Lambokstar Marngar, President, KSU, said that the meeting was disappointing since they did not get the chance to discuss major issues like the ILP.

ALSO READ: Farmers’ protest: Delhi police gives nod to Republic Day tractor rally

Marngar said he felt like it was an insult to the government of Meghalaya and the people of the state. “Since the ILP Resolution was passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly which is already over a year, we had expected the Home Minister would send a message to the people of the state,” said Marngar.

He added that the union was confused with the outcome of the meeting.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma informed that the Union Home Minister had a tight schedule and could not stay back. Sangma added that the Union Home Minister had invited the Cabinet and the pressure groups to come to Delhi for a detailed discussion.

“The Union Home Minister agreed to meet the Cabinet and pressure groups in Delhi so we will soon seek an appointment. We can expect this meeting sometime around when the Parliament session starts,” informed Sangma.

The groups informed that they will plan their next course of action soon following their disappointing meeting with the Union Home Minister. The groups have also emphasised that their demand for ILP will continue.