ILP cannot be implemented in Assam: Himanta Sarma

GUWAHATI: Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said “inner line permit (ILP) cannot be implemented in Assam as it’s the gateway to northeast India”. The statement comes amid speculation that the committee on clause 6 of Assam Accord has recommended introduction of ILP in the state.
Talking to media persons on Sunday, Sarma said: “As Assam is the gateway to northeast India, ILP cannot be implemented here. If we implement ILP, unemployment level will increase three-fold. If people from outside cannot come to tea sector and oil sector, from where there will be employment opportunities.”

When quizzed on clause 6 committee’s recommendation on ILP, Sarma said: “I too spoke with some members and, so far, as I know there is no suggestion to introduce ILP.”

Earlier, insiders had hinted that the committee has batted for introducing ILP in the state. On February 25, the panel had submitted its recommendation to chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal who accepted the same on behalf of Union home minister Amit Shah.

All Assam Students Union president Dipanka Kumar, a committee member, said members had agreed not to speak about the recommendations in public till the report was made public.