Shillong, Feb 18: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Wednesday that while his government is pursuing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue with the Centre, it is also considering other alternatives to check illegal immigration.
Replying to a supplementary question raised by Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Sangma referred to the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into effect last September.
“We are trying to achieve a mechanism where a permit will be required for a foreigner to seek permit to come into the state… we are not saying ILP should not be followed (but) as a proactive government… it is our duty to examine every possible mechanism… to achieve the same goal,” said Sangma.
He emphasised that the act would help in addressing the problem of illegal immigration.
The central act is focused on foreign nationals visiting India and is not specific to Meghalaya, which not only faces the Bangladeshi immigrant issue but also non-tribals from outside the state coming into the state.
He stressed that the act is not ILP-like but an alternative mechanism to address the issues in the state. However, Sangma did not give a clear timeline on the implementation of the system, be it under the central act or ILP.
(To be updated)
