Meghalaya’s HITO demands Inner Line Permit extension to curb infiltration and protect indigenous communities.
Guwahati: Meghalaya pressure group Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking the urgent extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to the entire state. The ILP is an official travel document issued by the Indian government to allow Indian citizens to enter and stay in specific protected areas for a limited time.
The letter raises serious concerns over growing internal security threats, demographic shifts, and alleged infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, HITO highlighted what it termed “alarming geopolitical developments” that have implications for Meghalaya’s internal security. The group cited recent ceasefire developments along the India-Pakistan western front and “credible intelligence” on increased infiltration from Bangladesh, allegedly supported by Pakistan’s ISI, as pressing reasons to tighten border regulations in the Northeast.
Speaking to TSG, Donbok Dkhar, President of HITO, said, “The recent conflict and subsequent ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the western front have once again highlighted the need for heightened internal security across all sensitive border regions, including those in the Northeast. More concerning is the credible intelligence emerging regarding increased infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border, including Meghalaya, and the establishment of a strategic base by Pakistan’s ISI in Bangladesh, which poses a serious national security threat. In this context, the growing number of illegal infiltrations into Meghalaya—allegedly facilitated through monetary inducements—raises pressing concerns. These activities are not only a violation of India’s sovereignty but also a potential gateway for sleeper cells or terror activities that could destabilise the peace and social fabric of the region.”
The group argued that the ILP system, under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, would help:
1. Enhance border security by regulating unchecked entry.
2. Safeguard indigenous communities and maintain demographic stability.
3 .Help detect and deter the entry of anti-national elements and sleeper cells.
4. Reinforce national efforts against cross-border terrorism and infiltration.
Beyond infiltration concerns
The demand for the ILP was also raised following the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi in the state. On May 23, the newlywed couple, Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi, left around 10 am for a trek and disappeared. Their scooter was found abandoned the next day on the Shillong–Sohra road.
Following the incident, several pressure groups along with ministers have talked about regulations to monitor incoming tourists in the state. Pressure groups such as HYC staged a demonstration in Shillong over the issue of ILP and also highlighted the defamation faced by the state amid the murder row.
Speaking to TSG, Dkhar added, “They commit a crime here and run away. This happens because there is no proper mechanism to deal with it.”
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya cabinet has decided to strengthen the state’s resident safety legislation following the recent incident in Sohra, while simultaneously approving a significant land repurposing initiative to boost tourism infrastructure. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the cabinet will revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to address growing concerns about criminal activities disguised as tourism ventures.
“The aim is to further strengthen the Act to better prevent criminal activities carried out under the guise of tourism,” Sangma stated on social media.
“This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents, while continuing to welcome genuine tourists to our state.”
Tourism angle
The bigger challenge of bringing ILP to a tourism-based state like Meghalaya is the concerns of tourists. Talking in the context of the honeymoon murder case to iTV Network, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh spoke about welcoming all tourists to the state but with a sense of responsibility.
“Meghalaya is a getaway for the people and all are welcome. Our tourists are our extended family members. But please come here with clean hands, and if any crime is committed, the police will come after you,” added Lyngdoh.
TSG spoke to Balajied Jyrwa from the Assam-Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association, who stated that the need for ILP is not limited to illegal immigration but also to check the incoming and outgoing flow of traffic.
“Talking from a tourist perspective, we can’t scrutinise everything. The government has checkpoints, but they are selective, and we need more checking,” said Balajied.
He believes the introduction of ILP will help check the flow of people as Meghalaya is situated near the international border. He further highlighted that the honeymoon murder initially blamed the locals until the police investigation began. Tourist associations believe the introduction of ILP will create better response time in situations like the honeymoon murder.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has also introduced mandatory registration of guests at homestays, resorts, and hotels via a tourism app, a Real-Time Distress Response System, and “Tourist Buddy” services for safety. Meghalaya has made guides mandatory for trekking in East Khasi Hills after tourist deaths. The administration plans to effectively implement the directive by deploying more trained guides and working with local communities.