For swift ILP implementation, HANM pushes for renewed strategy

Shillong: The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) has announced strategies to renew its efforts to secure the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.

The organisation said that they will also push for the demand of the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and the resolution of the long-standing border dispute with Assam.

The decision follows the Khasi Students’ Union’s (KSU) recent crackdown on migrant workers in the state, resulting in the expulsion of over 2,500 individuals without proper documentation.

The KSU earlier vowed to continue its campaign to pressure the government into implementing ILP.

HANM president Lamphrang Kharbani informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has acknowledged the pending border dispute and directed the Central Division to address the issue.

While the government has assured steps to include Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule, the timeline remains uncertain.

However, the lack of a clear response regarding the implementation of ILP has prompted HANM to plan another visit to Delhi to reiterate the demand and seek a definitive answer, the organisation said.

The organization stated that the ILP is essential to protect the indigenous population of Meghalaya from the influx of outsiders and to preserve their cultural identity.