Meghalaya Special Court begins proceedings against pro-ILP agitators
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India

Shillong, December 03 2013: A special court today began proceedings against leaders of 14 pro-Inner Line Permit pressure groups demanding implementation of the ILP for violation of the Supreme Court ruling against shutdowns.

The Civil Society Women's Organisation, which withdrew support to the pro-Inner Line Permit groups, appeared before the court of M Rymbai, which was constituted last month.

CSWO President Agnes Kharshiing and General Secretary W Thabah who appeared in person were directed by the court to appoint a legal counsel and file a written statement on their own behalf.

The damage suit was filed by B Khongwir, the Political Department Under Secretary.

He stated that the government incurred Rs 31.09 crore during bandhs, picketing and blockades called by the pro-ILP groups since September 2 which affected the normal functioning of government and businesses.

Criminal acts such as arson and violence also took place, he stated.

The front organisations of pro-ILP organisations like the Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front and 11 others were charged with sponsoring the shutdowns, picketing and blockades which the government said were unconstitutional and illegal.

The pro-ILP groups were demanding implementation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations Act, 1873 which facilitated restricted entry of outsiders to the state as was the case in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

None of the pro-ILP group leaders turn up at the hearing on the first day.

Altogether 71 activists were arrested and 86 criminal cases were registered against them which included arson, murder, attempt to murder and other violent acts.

Migrant labourers or skilled workers who comes here for work in fast-growing tourism and hospitality sectors in the state complain of difficulty in getting the permits and want the government to abolish them.

"There is a lot of red-tape involved in getting this permit.

We also need to get it renewed in time.

At times, we face a lot of harassment," said T Baruah, who hails from Assam and works in a local hotel here.

His collegaue Tezi, who has come from neighbouring Mizoram, also complains of a similar treatment.

"Authorities need to give free access to the people, after all we are all Indians," she said.

A number of labourers come to Arunachal Pradesh from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and other neighbouring states.

"We come here to work and we need to pay a fee to get these permits.

It is unfair.

If the government removes this provision, it will help us," said a labourer from Assam.

Arunachal is the largest state, area-wise, in the north eastern region with evergreen forests providing 82 per cent cover.

President Pranab Mukherjee, who had last week visited the state, has emphasised the need for ensuring connectivity between the state and the rest of the country.

"No longer should this state be considered remote.

The Centre and the state government should together rapidly build the infrastructure linkages and connectivity with the rest of India that is required and this legislature and the people of Arunachal should extend every assistance possible in this venture," he had said in his maiden address to the state Legislative Assembly.

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