Political developments in Shillong took a significant turn on Tuesday when senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek stated that the issues raised by eight UDP legislators regarding a possible merger are demands his own party has pursued for years. Hek emphasized that the concerns voiced by the UDP MLAs are directly linked to the interests of Meghalaya and its indigenous population, prompting him to extend his support to their stance.
Speaking on the matters brought forward, he noted that for the betterment of the State and the indigenous people, he appreciates the issues raised, adding that his party has also advocated for their implementation from earlier times.
Stance on Inner Line Permit and Security Act
Addressing the pressing demand for an Inner Line Permit system in Meghalaya, Hek suggested an alternative approach if immediate implementation proves challenging. He stated that the government could move ahead with the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act if providing ILP right away is not feasible. According to him, implementing the security act can be done now without any operational hurdles.
Inclusion of Khasi Language in the Eighth Schedule
The BJP leader also threw his weight behind the demand to include the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, asserting that there are no obstacles hindering this proposal. He maintained that the language is fully qualified and can be successfully passed in the cabinet and the House for official recognition without any difficulty.
He stressed that this aspiration should not be viewed as exclusive to the UDP, as the BJP has been pushing for the exact same implementation from its platform, alongside the push for the security act.
Caution on Coal Mining Matters
However, when questioned about the contentious issue of coal mining in Meghalaya, Hek firmly declined to offer any comments. He cited the matter's pending status before the judiciary, noting that because the case is subjudice, it is not appropriate for him to make public statements on the subject at this stage.
