KSU Urgently Appeals for Governor’s Crucial Support in ILP Implementation to Safeguard Communities
KSU Seeks Governor’s Intervention on Key Issues Including ILP and Khasi Language Recognition
SHILLONG, Sep 25: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) met Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar to request his intervention on six critical issues, primarily focusing on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. KSU General Secretary, Donald V Thabah, emphasized that the Meghalaya Assembly has passed resolutions supporting both demands.
Thabah highlighted the ILP’s effectiveness, established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, in regulating entry and protecting the demographic structure of indigenous populations. He noted that most Northeastern states employ this mechanism, with Manipur being the latest to adopt it in December 2019. Despite continuous efforts and petitions since 1985, the Centre has not yet responded positively to the ILP implementation in Meghalaya.
On the linguistic front, Thabah advocated for the Khasi language, spoken by approximately 1.5 million people across various districts in Meghalaya, and also in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Bangladesh. The KSU, following earlier efforts by the Khasi Authors’ Society, has been demanding its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule since 1992.
Addressing concerns on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Thabah warned that the Act might disrupt the state’s demographic balance. The KSU opposes the CAA fearing an influx of immigrants from Bangladesh could threaten indigenous communities’ existence.
Further, Thabah criticized the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty of 1950, which allows Nepali citizens to acquire Indian citizenship, citing a surge in the Nepali population since the 1980s as a potential threat to the local tribal communities. He called for Meghalaya’s exemption from this treaty to prevent conflicts.
Territorial disputes with Assam, including contested areas such as Langpih and Block I and II, were also addressed. Thabah reiterated the necessity for clear jurisdictional resolutions.
Lastly, he demanded the establishment of an autonomous agriculture university in Meghalaya, noting the Centre approved such a project in 2010, yet no progress has been made.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/09/26/ksu-seeks-guvs-help-for-ilp-implementation/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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