Sangma for work permit to fight influx problem, convenes meet

Guwahati, Aug 18 (UNI) Former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma today advocated a work permit mechanism to tackle the Bangladeshi infiltration issue in the absence of an extradition treaty with the neighbouring country which makes deportation a complicated affair.

Referring to the work permit system in Zimbabwe, the NCP leader, said, '' Work permits should be issued to those who can not prove that they are genuine citizens.'' ''We have spent decades and over Rs 400 crore in detecting and deporting Bangladeshis from North east, but it has not helped in solving the problem. Instead, we should now concentrate on identifying the Indian citizens and provide them with photo identity cards,'' he added.

He pointed that the absence of an extradition treaty makes deportation a tricky affair even if illegal migrants are identified.

Elaborating on the resolutions adopted in today's NCP NE coordination committee meet here, Mr Sangma said a meeting of all recognised political parties would be convened in the first week of October, most likely in Guwahati, to discuss and deliberate on the influx issue.

At later stages, all registered parties as well as students and youth organistaions and NGOs related to the issue would also be involved, he added.

Senior NCP leader of Manipur R B Koijam, regarding the other resolutions adopted in today's meet, said, the NCP would press for the revision of the Vision 2020 document which was recently unveiled by the Prime Minister.

'' The present document has failed to address important issues like insurgency and governance and concentrated only on investment,'' he added.

The meeting also condemned Monika Devi's episode, after the Manipur player was barred from participating in the Beijing Olympics at the eleventh hour on dope charges that were later dropped.

UNI SG KK SK ND1900