The Meghalaya Assembly witnessed a pandemonium on Friday after Opposition leaders jumped into the well of the House demanding a discussion on the Inner Line Permit and the law and order situation in the state.
Opposition members from the Meghalaya People’s Forum sought a discussion on the issues through an adjournment motion, but it was not allowed by Speaker A.T. Mondal who said it was already part of other motions and starred questions which will be taken up subsequently.
The Opposition members then pleaded that the issue be discussed because of the law and order problem following a stand-off between the state government and pro-ILP activists.
Government Chief Whip Ronnie.V Lyngdoh supported the Speaker’s ruling and said, “We are held ransom (by pro-ILP activists) outside, and now we are held ransom inside the House.”
Opposition members then rushed to the well shouting and thumped the Speaker’s table while some attempted to climb the podium, leading to adjournment of the proceedings for about half an hour till 11:45am.
When the House re-assembled, opposition Hill State People’s Democratic Party leader Ardent Basaiawmoit offered not to table a resolution on implementation of ILP, but demanded a discussion immediately.
The Opposition members started shouting slogans as the Speaker went ahead and asked ministers to lay notifications as listed.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma requested Opposition members to be patient and respect the decision of the chair, but the slogan-shouting continued.
Unmoved by the ruckus, the Chief Minister introduced the Meghalaya Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2013. Other ministers introduced the Poison (Meghalaya Amendment) Bill 2013, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules 2013 and the Meghalaya Commission for Protection of Child Rights Rules, 2013.
