SHILLONG, DEC 16: Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to extend the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to Meghalaya, citing concerns over demographic vulnerability, land alienation, and unregulated influx.
In a letter on Tuesday, Syngkon emphasized that the ILP regime would align Meghalaya with other North-Eastern states and protect the interests of indigenous communities. “ILP does not expel any law-abiding Indian citizen; rather, it requires those who enter the state from outside to register their identity, purpose, and duration of stay,” he stated.
“(Therefore)…I most respectfully request that the Ministry of Home Affairs may favourably consider extending the Inner Line Permit regime to Meghalaya under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, in line with the unanimous resolution of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly dated 19 December 2019,” the MP wrote.
Syngkon has requested the Ministry to constitute a joint technical committee to finalize the ILP implementation framework and provide a clear communication on the status and roadmap of the proposal.
“(I request the MHA to) constitute a joint technical committee comprising officers of the Ministry and
the Government of Meghalaya to finalise the administrative, technological and legal framework for ILP implementation in the state, ensuring synergy with MRSSA and national immigration laws,” he said while urging the Centre to provide a clear communication to Parliament and the State Assembly on the status and roadmap of the ILP proposal, so that citizens are reassured that their concerns are being addressed through due process. Syngkon highlighted the need for ILP to prevent uncontrolled demographic transformation and strengthen border management.
“Meghalaya shares a long, porous international border with Bangladesh and a fluid inter-state boundary with Assam, which has struggled with illegal immigration.”
The MP also emphasized that ILP would support development and tourism, citing examples from other ILP states in the North East.
“A well-designed ILP mechanism can promote responsible tourism, enhance safety, and build confidence among local communities,” he added.
By Our Reporter
