Pro-ILP protesters to hold 3-night road blockade in Meghalaya

Even as the Meghalaya government has announced a legislative regulation to address and contain influx and illegal immigration, pro-Inner Line Permit activists have announced a three-night road blockade in the state from October 1.
"The road blockade has been scheduled to begin on October 1 and consecutively on October 3 and 4 and will take effect from 8 PM to 5 AM," Information and Publicity Secretary of the Federation of Khasi Jantia and Garo People (FKJGP) E N Lyngdhoh said here.
The FKJGP is spearheading the ILP agitation.
The blockade, the fifth in the series of anti-government stirs, will also be enforced on NH-40 and NH-44 from Guwahati to Silchar and is likely to affect transportation of essential commodities to Tripura, Mizoram, southern Assam and parts of Manipur.

"The NGO leaders have resolved to continue and intensify with agitations as a mark of protest against the state government's adamant attitude towards our demands," Lyngdhoh said.
He termed the Meghalaya United Alliance government's decision to implement the proposed 'Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill' as contrary to the wish of the people.

"The government is buying time to introduce an Act which will only suit the needs and requirements of the landlords instead of implementing the ILP directly to curtail their freedom here," he said.
The state Cabinet had approved the draft Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill 2013 last week and is all set for a 'public consultation meet' on October 3.

The month-long anti-government stir has affected normal functioning of government offices and businesses, especially tourism.
Over 40 volunteers of the pro-ILP groups have been arrested so far and as many as 55 cases have been registered against them for assaults, attempted arsons, mischief and others and under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act.