BJP leader and former cabinet minister AL Hek urged the state government to conduct a thorough feasibility study before introducing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) or the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), if they get the necessary go ahead from the Centre.
Speaking to reporters on the contentious issue on Wednesday, Hek said any new mechanism must balance the interests of local residents with those of visitors to the state.
The Pynthorumkhrah MLA Hek said the focus should be on what is “doable” and beneficial for all stakeholders.
“We first have to see what is doable. Which one we can do and which one we can’t,” Hek said.
He added that the primary consideration must be the welfare of the state’s population, while also accounting for outsiders, particularly tourists.
“So, the doable part only should be beneficial for all the people, not only for the people of Meghalaya. First, we have to see the interest of the people of the state of Meghalaya and also, we have to see the safety and interest of the people who are coming to the state of Meghalaya, particularly the tourists,” he said.
Asked about the way forward, Hek called for detailed study to ensure that any law does not adversely impact the state’s small population or deter visitors.