Amid growing security concerns and fears of demographic imbalance, the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), a prominent pressure group in Meghalaya, has made a fresh appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding the urgent extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to cover the entire state.
In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, HITO expressed alarm over the alleged spike in infiltration through the India-Bangladesh border, warning that unchecked movement of individuals poses a serious threat to Meghalaya’s internal stability and India’s national security. The group also raised concerns about the manipulation of welfare schemes through fake identification documents.
“The need for ILP in Meghalaya is no longer just about preserving the identity and culture of indigenous people—it has become a strategic necessity,” the memorandum stated.
Citing recent geopolitical developments, including the ceasefire along India’s western borders and intelligence inputs pointing to increased cross-border activity from Bangladesh allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, HITO warned of the possibility of sleeper cells and anti-national networks taking root in the Northeast. The group claimed that infiltration into Meghalaya is being aided by monetary inducements, with thousands of fake Aadhaar and EPIC cards reportedly being used to fraudulently access government schemes.
Referring to a recent murder in Sohra, allegedly involving outsiders from Madhya Pradesh, HITO described the incident as “avoidable” and attributed it to lax regulatory mechanisms on migrant entry. “Such cases underscore the urgency for a structured and accountable system of monitoring and screening,” the organization noted.
Currently, the ILP system—governed under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873—is operational in Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. It restricts the entry of non-indigenous individuals and is widely regarded as a tool to protect native populations and maintain demographic balance.
HITO’s letter outlined four major benefits of implementing ILP in Meghalaya:
Strengthening border security by regulating and tracking entry of outsiders.
Preserving indigenous identity and demographic equilibrium.
Detecting and deterring anti-national activities and infiltration threats.
Reinforcing national security efforts against cross-border terrorism.
The organization urged the Home Minister to act promptly and in consultation with the Meghalaya state government and local institutions. “We place our trust in your leadership and commitment to the unity and integrity of India,” the letter read.