Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Urges Centre to Expedite Inner Line Permit Implementation
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state, citing concerns over illegal immigration and infiltration from across the Bangladesh border.
The appeal was made during a meeting between the two leaders in New Delhi on Thursday. Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the growing need for effective border management and stressed the importance of introducing stricter regulatory mechanisms to address the issue of unauthorized migration.
"The implementation of the ILP is crucial for Meghalaya, not only to protect the interests of the indigenous population but also to ensure proper documentation and control of movement across the state’s borders," Sangma said following the meeting.
The ILP is a travel document required by non-residents to enter certain protected areas in India. Several northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram, already have ILP systems in place under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
Meghalaya has been demanding inclusion under the ILP regime for years. In December 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in support of implementing the ILP in the state. However, the central government is yet to take a final decision on the matter.
Chief Minister Sangma also discussed the need to strengthen border infrastructure and surveillance systems to safeguard the state’s boundaries and prevent illegal cross-border activities.
The Union Home Minister has reportedly assured the Chief Minister that the concerns raised would be carefully examined.
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