Khasi Students Union Burns Copies of CAA Rules, Demands ILP Implementation in Meghalaya

Amidst chants, the protesters demanded the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) instead of the CAA

Digital Desk: In Nongpoh, the Khasi Students Union of North Khasi Hills District Unit staged a fiery protest on Wednesday, symbolically burning copies of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules of 2024. They vehemently opposed the implementation of the CAA in Meghalaya and other tribal areas of the North East.

Before the symbolic burning, a gathering was held at Iewmawlong Market, where KSU members displayed placards and banners, vocally condemning the central government for not exempting the entire North East from the scope of the CAA.

Key figures like Ferdinald Kharkamni and General Secretary James Mawphniang from the KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit, along with leaders from other organisations like FKJGP and HNYF from Ri Bhoi District, lent their support to the protest.

Amidst chants, the protesters demanded the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) instead of the CAA. They staunchly expressed their refusal to accept the CAA and insisted on the enforcement of ILP in the region.

A few days ago, when asked about CAA, which has faced resistance in the state that shares over 400 km of borderland with Bangladesh, CM Sangma said their concerns have been addressed as it excludes Sixth Schedule areas, as a result of which most of the areas in Meghalaya are exempted.

In December 2019, the Meghalaya Assembly adopted a resolution to implement ILP control in the state. However, the act is still not applicable in the state, despite being demanded for a long time. 

The ILP is an exceptional permit that is required by people from other regions of India to enter the states. Currently, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur enjoy this benefit.