The Meghalaya Assembly has adopted a resolution for implementing the Inner Line Permit(ILP) regime in the state.

• The Government of Meghalaya will urge upon the centre to include Meghalaya in the preamble of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873.

Background

In November 2019, the Meghalaya Cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, which will lead to laws that require non-resident visitors to register themselves. This move came in the backdrop of demands for an ILP-like regime.

Key Points

• The ILP is a special permit that is required by “outsiders” from other regions of India to enter the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland Mizoram and Manipur. The ILP, which can be received after applying either online or physically, states the dates of travel and also specifies the particular areas in the state which the ILP holder can travel to.
• According to the new Citizenship Law, the provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under ‘The Inter Line’ notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
• It needs to be noted that Meghalaya may not have had an ILP regime but three Autonomous District Councils under Sixth Schedule cover practically the entire state.
• Note: Recently, thet ILP regime has been extended to Manipur after the President of India signed an order in this effect.