State Congress Party leader Manuel Badwar has emphasised the need for a system similar to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, citing concerns over national security, demographic integrity and border protection.
Badwar stressed that a registration system for people entering the state is crucial, allowing authorities to track individuals’ names, permanent addresses, photographs and intended duration of stay.
While there have been longstanding calls for the ILP in Meghalaya, with even a State Assembly resolution passed in its favour in 2019, the central government has been cautious in allowing it, leading to a search for local alternative laws, such as the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
Badwar noted that tourism contributes around 6-7 percent of Meghalaya’s GDP and to increase this share to 15 percent the state must prioritise security measures. He proposed implementing a simple phone-based application or online registration system, similar to ILP, to capture essential data and ensure overall safety and security.
Badwar criticised the MRSSA as inadequate, stating it lacks a tourism-centric approach and sufficient enforcement mechanisms. He advocated for a new act that would enable the state to regulate short-term visitors effectively.
Badwar stated that if the central government continues to reject the demand for ILP, the state must introduce laws similar to ILP, which would not be detrimental to society.
