Shillong, Dec 16: Meghalaya has again reiterated its demand to extend the Inner Line Permit (ILP) System, this time through its Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon.
Recently, Syngkon met Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and submitted to him a memorandum, urging the centre to consider extending the ILP regime to Meghalaya under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
In the memorandum to the Union Home Minister, Syngkon emphasized that the ILP is necessary and appropriate for Meghalaya, citing five key reasons.
According to the MP, firstly, it aligns with the constitutional scheme for tribal areas, recognizing the special character of the region and providing protection for indigenous communities.
Secondly, he stated that it protects the demographic, land, and cultural interests of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia peoples, who are concerned about uncontrolled in-migration and land alienation.
Thirdly, according to Syngkon, it strengthens border management and internal security by regulating inward movement and providing a transparent documentary trail.
The Lok Sabha MP, from Shillong also stated that the call for introduction of ILP, responds to the democratic will of the people, as expressed in the 2019 Meghalaya Assembly resolution.
He also argued that, ILP supports, rather than hinders, development and tourism, as seen in other ILP states in the North East.
In the letter, the Shillong Lok Sabha MP stated that, the state government has already put in place the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and is willing to address technical and administrative queries to demonstrate readiness for ILP implementation.
Syngkon urged the Centre to extend ILP to Meghalaya, constituting a joint technical committee to finalize the administrative, technological, and legal framework, and providing a clear communication on the status and roadmap of the ILP proposal.
He emphasized that this would reassure citizens that their concerns are being addressed through due process and strengthen the state’s presence in the national capital.
