The MP from Shillong urged the central government to expedite the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya

Shillong: Shillong Lok Sabha MP Ricky Syngkon has urged the central government to fast-track the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime in Meghalaya.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Syngkon said the ILP would address concerns related to demographic change, land alienation and unregulated migration in the tribal-majority state.

He referred to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly resolution adopted on December 19, 2019, seeking inclusion of the state under the ILP system.

Syngkon said all political parties in the state agree that the ILP remains the most effective protective mechanism for Meghalaya.

He pointed out that states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur have successfully implemented online ILP systems without affecting tourist inflow.

“Our people seek protection, not exclusion, and parity with similarly placed Northeastern states through a constitutional and cooperative approach,” Syngkon said.

He clarified that the ILP does not target law-abiding citizens and only regulates entry by requiring valid documentation.

Syngkon said the system would discourage illegal settlement and benami land transactions.

Citing Meghalaya’s long and porous international border with Bangladesh and its inter-state boundary with Assam, he said the state faces serious challenges related to illegal immigration.

He said ILP implementation would strengthen overall security and help safeguard indigenous interests.

Syngkon warned that prolonged uncertainty over the ILP could erode public trust. He said timely implementation would reinforce cooperative federalism.

The MP urged the Home Ministry to form a joint technical committee with the Meghalaya government to finalise implementation modalities.

He said the committee should clearly communicate the roadmap and status of the ILP proposal to Parliament and the State Assembly.