SHILLONG, FEB 18: What began as a debate on Meghalaya’s push for protected-area status under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, spiraled into pandemonium Wednesday, forcing Speaker Thomas A Sangma to adjourn the House for ten minutes.
“When the Chair is on its feet, please sit down,” Sangma appealed as opposition and treasury benches traded barbs over the inner-line permit (ILP).
When members pressed on, he cut in: “I will adjourn the House for 10 minutes.”
At issue was the government’s parallel pursuit of ILP and a restricted-area notification while the permit awaits Centre’s approval.
VPP legislator Ardent M. Basaiawmoit charged the government with playing to public sentiment.
“Why does the state want ILP? Because influx comes not only from foreigners but from outsiders… I would like a sincere reply whether the government is playing with the sentiment of the people,” he said.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma rejected the jab, pointing to his meetings with the Prime Minister and Home Minister, and turned it back on Basaiawmoit: “How many times has the honourable MLA written to the Prime Minister or Union Home Minister? He has not met the Union Home Minister on ILP.”
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong pressed further: “If you are serious, go to Delhi. Stop the drama.”
Resuming, the Speaker urged civility. “This House is a place to discuss matters in a civilized manner… I request all members to participate in debates, questions and answers in a civilized way,” he said.
The chief minister insisted Meghalaya had “not stopped pursuing ILP” but was also “looking at other mechanisms and all possibilities” to curb illegal immigration.
He challenged the opposition to match actions with words. “NGOs and organisations have written to the Centre. The member has not written. We should practice what we preach.”
VPP’s Adelbert Nongrum, kept up the pressure, accusing the government of “fooling” people and offering “vague negotiations.”
Sangma and Tynsong shot back, demanding proof and noting Nongrum had neither met nor written to the Home Minister.
With tensions spilling past question hour, the Speaker finally ended the standoff. He announced, “The question hour is over. Please sit down. I am calling the House to order. This will not go on record.”
