Shillong Member of Parliament Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to extend the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to Meghalaya, citing growing concerns over demographic vulnerability, land alienation and unregulated influx into the state.
In a letter submitted on Tuesday, Syngkon stated that implementation of ILP would bring Meghalaya at par with other North-Eastern states and provide much-needed protection to the interests of indigenous communities.
Clarifying misconceptions, the MP noted that ILP does not expel any law-abiding Indian citizen, but requires visitors entering the state to register their identity, purpose and duration of stay, thereby ensuring effective regulation.
Referring to the unanimous resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on December 19, 2019, Syngkon urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to favourably consider extending the ILP regime to Meghalaya under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
The Shillong MP has also requested the Centre to constitute a joint technical committee comprising officials from the Union Home Ministry and the Government of Meghalaya to finalise the administrative, technological and legal framework for ILP implementation in the state.
He stressed that the proposed framework should ensure synergy with the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and align with national immigration laws.
Syngkon further urged the Centre to provide clear communication to Parliament and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the status and roadmap of the ILP proposal, stating that transparency is essential to reassure citizens that their concerns are being addressed through due process.
Highlighting security concerns, the MP said that Meghalaya’s long and porous international border with Bangladesh, coupled with a fluid inter-state boundary with Assam, makes the state particularly vulnerable to illegal immigration and uncontrolled demographic change.
He also emphasized that ILP would not hinder development or tourism, citing experiences from other ILP-protected states in the North East.
“A well-designed ILP mechanism can promote responsible tourism, enhance safety, and build confidence among local communities,” Syngkon added.