Meghalaya CM Sangma seeks PM's intervention for introduction of ILP, resolving border disputes with Assam

With Meghalaya government awaiting a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP), Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention into the issue.

Sangma, who met PM Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, submitted a memorandum regarding a host of issues in the state. He highlighted the resolution taken by the Meghalaya Assembly in December 2019 regarding introduction of ILP in the state. 

Introduced first under the British as Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, ILP is a fixed term travel permit which is a must for outside visitors to a restricted area or region.

The ILP is in force in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh and the demand for introduction of the system in Meghalaya intensified after the Centre brought in the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in 2019.

The state had witnessed violent protests by local tribal organisations demanding the ILP, who say, it is required to quell the "identity threats posed by outsiders."

Following the strong agitation, the Centre in January 2020, introduced ILP in Manipur but did not do so in Meghalaya. As the Centre did not fulfill the demand for ILP, Meghalaya Assembly passed a resolution in December 2019 and forwarded it to the MHA. The state government, however, is still awaiting a response from MHA regarding the ILP.

BJP is a minor ally of the coalition government in Meghalaya led by the National People's Party (NPP). Sangma is the national president of NPP. 

Sangma also urged PM Modi to take steps for inclusion of Khasi and Garo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. 

Border disputes

Sangma sought PM's help in resolution of the border conflicts with Assam in the remaining six sites. The two states had earlier signed an agreement to resolve disputes in six sites, which remained pending for 50 years. The CM also apprised the PM about the ongoing talks with HNLC, an insurgent group.