Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, acknowledged that while the introduction of goods trains may help address the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities in Meghalaya, the state government must adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle the issue effectively. He emphasized that without a proper mechanism to control the unchecked influx of outsiders into the state, the government cannot be fully trusted to handle the situation.
“We must take a holistic approach to tackle the price rise issue. Introducing goods trains may help, but there are other underlying issues. Without a proper mechanism to regulate the inflow of outsiders, we cannot fully trust the government’s efforts,” Basaiawmoit said.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening traditional institutions at the village level and enforcing mechanisms like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to address the influx issue. “A multi-pronged approach is necessary, including the strengthening of local institutions and ensuring those responsible for executing policies are free from corruption,” he added.
Basaiawmoit criticized the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for passing a resolution to implement ILP without taking genuine action. He accused the state government of merely deflecting responsibility to the central government rather than directly addressing the issue.
“The state government is not serious about implementing ILP. Passing a resolution and handing it over to the center is an attempt to avoid responsibility. They could have simply issued a notification to implement ILP, as the provision already exists,” Basaiawmoit remarked.
He further questioned the MDA government’s silence on the removal of the term “Khasi Jaintia” from the preamble of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, accusing them of adopting a double-standard approach.
“Instead of contesting with the Government of India on the issue of removing ‘Khasi Jaintia’ from the Bengal Eastern Frontier, the state government remains silent. This clearly shows their lack of seriousness in preventing the unchecked inflow of outsiders,” Basaiawmoit concluded.