By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 4: A renewed push for the implementation of a full-fledged Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya has gathered momentum, with both political and civil society voices rejecting any diluted or “ILP-like” alternatives proposed by the government.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have independently reiterated that only a formal ILP can effectively regulate the influx of people, safeguard indigenous rights and preserve the state’s demographic balance, even as the government explores protective mechanisms under central legislation.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said that the party was clear and unambiguous in its stand, stressing that what the people of Meghalaya have been demanding is ILP and nothing less. “When we talk about ILP, it is different from all other alternatives being discussed. The people of Meghalaya have been demanding ILP, not something so-called or loosely defined,” Myrboh said.
He added that several alternatives had been attempted in the past, but none addressed the core concern of regulating the movement of people into the state. According to him, the demand for ILP stems from the need for a clear legal mechanism to regulate both internal migration and the entry of foreigners.
“I will not speak on behalf of what the government is saying, but from our party’s position, we demand ILP and nothing less,” he stated.
Myrboh also questioned the lack of clarity surrounding proposals described as “ILP-like,” saying it remained unclear how such mechanisms would regulate the movement of people from outside the state or address concerns related to undocumented entrants.
He maintained that ILP is meant to regulate entry into the state and that any system falling short of this objective would fail to protect the interests of the indigenous population.
The VPP reiterated that it would continue to press for ILP, asserting that the demand reflects the long-standing will of the people of Meghalaya.
ILP still the best option: KSU
The KSU, on the other hand, said that ILP remains the most effective mechanism to protect Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
KSU general secretary Donald Thabah, on Sunday, said the union is aware of the government’s move to insert certain provisions into the newly enacted central legislation but stressed that there is still no clarity on the nature, scope or enforceability of those provisions.
He pointed out that the government has not specified what amendments are being proposed or how they would regulate the entry of people into the state, including Indian citizens from outside Meghalaya.
Thabah said that in the absence of clear details, it is difficult to assess whether the proposed provisions can offer protection comparable to an ILP. He maintained that the ILP has proven to be a robust and structured system to monitor influx and preserve the demographic balance, ensuring that indigenous communities are not overwhelmed by larger or more dominant populations from outside the state.
Referring to ILP regimes in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur, he explained that the permit system clearly defines multiple categories of entry. These include short-term tourist permits with limited validity, student permits that can be extended until completion of studies, and work or investment permits that are issued for fixed durations and renewed periodically.
He added that such systems also provide for stringent action against violations, which acts as a strong deterrent.
According to the KSU, these safeguards are crucial for a small indigenous population like that of Meghalaya, and any diluted or vaguely defined alternative may fall short of delivering the same level of protection.
Thabah said the union continues to believe that only a formal ILP can comprehensively address concerns related to influx, demographic security and the long-term welfare of tribal communities.
He further noted that the Union government has already extended ILP to several northeastern states, including Manipur in 2019, and questioned why Meghalaya continues to remain outside its ambit.
He added that beyond regulating entry, an ILP would also help safeguard indigenous interests linked to land, education, employment and social security.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the Union government had responded positively to Meghalaya’s proposal to introduce ILP-like protections by utilising provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He said the matter was discussed during a recent meeting in New Delhi between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a state delegation led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Tynsong said the state has proposed incorporating provisions in the central legislation that would allow Meghalaya to function as a protected or restricted area, broadly on the lines of the ILP framework, and described the response from the Union Home Minister as encouraging.
