Shillong: Shillong MP Dr Ricky A J Syngkon has urged the Centre to expedite the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to Meghalaya, citing long-standing concerns over demographic vulnerability, land alienation and unregulated influx into the tribal-majority state.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Syngkon said the demand for ILP reflects the democratic will of the people of Meghalaya, pointing to the unanimous resolution adopted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in December 2019 seeking inclusion of the state under the ILP system governed by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
He noted that the resolution, backed by both the ruling coalition and the opposition, underscored widespread societal anxiety over unchecked migration and its impact on indigenous communities.
The MP said Meghalaya shares key characteristics with other northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, where ILP is already in force, and argued that extending the regime would align with the constitutional framework meant to safeguard tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule.
He added that the state’s fragile ecology, tribal demography and historical concerns over demographic change make a strong case for similar protective measures.
Syngkon highlighted pressures faced by the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia communities, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas like Shillong, where certain localities fall outside full Sixth Schedule protection.
He said ILP would not restrict lawful movement of Indian citizens but would regulate entry by requiring documentation of identity, purpose and duration of stay, thereby discouraging clandestine settlement and illegal land acquisition.
Raising security concerns, the MP pointed to Meghalaya’s long and porous international border with Bangladesh and its proximity to Assam, which has grappled with illegal immigration for decades.
He said an ILP regime, integrated with central databases and existing immigration and border management laws, would strengthen internal security by enabling better tracking of inward movement and deterring unlawful activities.
Syngkon also stressed that granting ILP would reinforce public faith in democratic institutions by responding meaningfully to the considered decision of the state legislature.
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He said prolonged uncertainty over the issue has contributed to public anxiety and could undermine trust if left unaddressed.
Addressing concerns that ILP could hinder development and tourism, the MP said experiences from other ILP states show that regulated entry systems can coexist with economic growth.
He noted that Meghalaya has already implemented the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and is prepared to address technical and administrative requirements for ILP implementation.
Urging early action, Syngkon requested the Home Ministry to favourably consider extending ILP to Meghalaya, set up a joint technical committee with the state government to finalise the framework for implementation, and clearly communicate the status and roadmap of the proposal to Parliament and the state assembly.
He said the people of Meghalaya seek parity with similarly placed northeastern states and a cooperative, constitutional solution that balances national interests with the concerns of indigenous communities in a sensitive border region.
