SHILLONG: Taking a firm and uncompromising stand, Shillong Member of Parliament Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon has declared that the protection of Meghalaya’s indigenous identity must take precedence over all major infrastructure projects, including railway expansion.
Representing the Voice of the People Party (VPP), the MP has demanded that the Government of India immediately stop delaying tactics and implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
Dr. Syngkon reminded the Centre that the demand for ILP is not a partisan issue but a unanimous decision of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
“A formal resolution was passed unanimously by every member of our House. I have personally written to the Government of India, and we expect them to respect the voice and will of the tribal people of Meghalaya,” the MP stated.
Addressing the contentious issue of railway expansion, Dr. Syngkon issued a clear warning to both the State and Central governments. While acknowledging the importance of development, he asserted that progress cannot come at the cost of demographic and cultural insecurity.
“Give us the ILP first, then we can talk about the railway,” he said bluntly.
ALSO WATCH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR RICKY AJ SYNGKON IN KHASI:
He cautioned that introducing railway connectivity without the legal protection of ILP would effectively open the floodgates to unchecked influx, posing a serious threat to the indigenous population and social fabric of the state.
The MP also took strong exception to the State Government’s recent shift toward discussing so-called “ILP-like mechanisms,” calling it a dilution of the people’s mandate.
Key concerns raised by Dr. Syngkon:
-
Leadership inconsistency: The same leaders who passed the ILP resolution are now exploring alternatives
-
Policy dilution: Substituting ILP with vague mechanisms undermines the Assembly’s unanimous decision
-
Erosion of trust: Moving goalposts sends confusing signals to the people
He urged the State Government to remain firm and stop wavering on a demand that enjoys complete political and public consensus.
Dr. Syngkon said the responsibility now lies squarely with New Delhi. He called on the Union Government to honour Meghalaya’s unique demographic sensitivity and constitutional rights.
“We cannot accept railway expansion without ILP. The Government of India must understand that it is their duty to respect the decision of our State Assembly and protect our people,” he asserted.
