Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 8: Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma and ministers of the Meghalaya Government called on the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi, seeking his intervention in addressing crucial concerns of the State.
The delegation highlighted the resolution passed by the Meghalaya State Assembly in December 2019, focusing on the need for Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation in Meghalaya. The delegation sought PM Modi ‘s intervention as the State Government awaits a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the consideration of ILP in state.
CM Sangma also emphasized the eligibility of Khasi and Garo languages for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. He said a resolution to this effect was passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in November 2018, and the matter is currently pending with the Centre.
CM Sangma sought the support of PM Modi in resolving the Assam-Meghalaya Area Differences for the ongoing resolution of the remaining six out of twelve disputed areas between Assam and Meghalaya. Notably, six areas were successfully resolved in March 2022, with an agreement signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
A joint survey by both states is underway to demarcate boundaries in these resolved areas.
On ILP Implementation in Meghalaya, CM Conrad Sangma apprised PM Modi of the inadequacy of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, in safeguarding tribal interests despite its exclusion provision for tribal areas. The memorandum presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019 seeks the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873.
On Inclusion of Khasi and Garo Languages, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted that the Khasi and Garo languages meet the prerequisites for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. The memorandum reiterated that the resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly was published in the Gazette of Meghalaya and submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Dec 14, 2018.
