Shillong — The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), a prominent pressure group in Meghalaya, has made a renewed plea to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the urgent implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) across the state amid growing concerns over internal security, infiltration, and demographic changes.
In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, HITO raised red flags over what it termed as “alarming geopolitical developments”, including increased infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border and alleged ISI-backed operations. The organization warned that the absence of a regulatory mechanism like ILP could compromise both national security and Meghalaya’s indigenous identity.
HITO stated that “the growing number of illegal infiltrations into Meghalaya—allegedly facilitated through monetary inducements—raises pressing concerns,” and alleged that such activity could be a conduit for sleeper cells and terror networks. The letter also highlighted the alleged use of fake Aadhaar and voter ID cards by infiltrators to gain access to welfare schemes and blend into local populations.
Citing the recent murder in Sohra, allegedly involving non-locals from Madhya Pradesh, HITO termed the incident as “avoidable” and blamed the absence of a proper entry regulation system for increased law and order issues.
HITO’s key demands and rationale for ILP implementation include:
• Enhancing border security by regulating unchecked entry into the state.
• Safeguarding indigenous communities and preserving the demographic balance.
• Deterring anti-national elements and rooting out sleeper cells.
• Strengthening the national fight against cross-border terrorism and infiltration.
The group pointed out that states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are already protected under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, which allows the enforcement of ILP.
“The need for ILP in Meghalaya is no longer just a cultural issue—it’s a matter of strategic urgency,” the letter read.
HITO concluded by appealing to Shah to consult with the state government and local institutions to expedite the ILP process. “We place our trust in your leadership and commitment to the unity and integrity of India,” the memorandum concluded.
The demand for ILP in Meghalaya has seen widespread support over the years, with multiple civil society organizations and student unions echoing similar sentiments in the wake of perceived demographic and security threats.
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