Shillong, Feb 13: Expressing concern over the delay in implementation of inner line permit in the state, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has suggested the need for the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to mount pressure on the Centre for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, HSPDP leader and cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar have expressed disappointment over the Centre’s delay to discuss the ILP resolution passed by the state Assembly.

“I am concerned about the attitude of the Centre government which is yet to give any positive response till now,” he said.

Tongkhar said the state government should come up with alternative ways to pressurize the Centre if it continues to delay in this manner.

“I will offer (this suggestion) before the MDA coordination committee to discuss if we can have more alternative ways to put pressure on the Centre,” he added.

Stating that the MDA has been pursuing the ILP demand, the HSPDP leader said, “This government that we are working together has done its best by passing a resolution and I will have nothing to blame it. Passing a resolution itself shows that we are keen to implement ILP.”

The minister said he is looking forward that the union home minister Amit Shah would meet the state delegation during his two-day visit to the state next month.

He also recalled that last time when they had met him (Shah) in Shillong “it was just for taking photographs only” since no time was given for discussion on ILP.

“I hope that this time will have time to discuss with him in detail about the ILP and to express the concern of the people of the state,” he added.

Asked, Tongkhar said “That we cannot say about the mind of the Centre but we have seen the Governor had stated that ILP is not good for the state, but we can’t say since Amit Shah is saying that he is still looking and still considering. We can’t say when they will understand whether it is good for the state as we understand and believe that it is good for the state of Meghalaya.”

On the other hand, Tongkhar said that he does not see that implementation of ILP would be a problem to the tourists visiting the state.

“If ILP is implemented, we will see that the rules to be framed will not affect the inflow of tourists to the state,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the minister further asserted the need for the immediate implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to protect the indigenous people from the influx of outsiders.

“We are keen as we want that ILP to be there but till they are considering the ILP, let MRSSA be implemented as to some extent it can also protect the indigenous people of the state,” he added.