Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 18: A heated debate erupted in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly today over the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit engaging in a war of words. The discussion turned volatile as Basaiawmoit accused the government of dragging its feet on the ILP, calling it a “vague negotiation” that only gives the Centre an option.
Sangma shot back, highlighting his government’s efforts to meet the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister on the issue, and challenged Basaiawmoit to match his actions. “How many times has the honourable MLA written to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister? He has not met the union home minister on ILP,” Sangma said.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also weighed in, urging Basaiawmoit to “stop the drama” and pursue the matter in Delhi. The exchange led to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma adjourning the House for 10 minutes.
Basaiawmoit questioned the government’s sincerity, asking if it was “playing with the sentiment of the people”. The government maintains its pursuing ILP while exploring other safeguards under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
