Raising alarm over possible demographic changes in Meghalaya due to ongoing eviction drives in neighbouring Assam, Member of Parliament Ricky Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state. The demand, rooted in long-standing concerns of the indigenous people, was reiterated during a meeting in New Delhi on Friday. MP Syngkon expressed deep concern over a potential influx of undocumented settlers into Meghalaya’s border districts, particularly those adjacent to Assam and Bangladesh. “The unchecked migration into Meghalaya threatens the cultural identity, land ownership, and economic stability of the tribal population,” Syngkon warned, pressing the Centre for urgent action. He highlighted that neighbouring Northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland already function under the ILP system, a constitutional mechanism designed to safeguard indigenous rights by regulating the entry of non-locals. Syngkon cautioned that Assam’s intensified eviction operations could displace people into Meghalaya, thereby heightening demographic and social pressure unless preventive measures like ILP are enforced.
The ILP demand has gained momentum over the years. In December 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution supporting ILP implementation. However, the proposal continues to await approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Apart from the ILP, Syngkon also raised the issue of constitutional recognition for the Khasi language. Referring to the Assembly’s 2018 resolution, he underscored that despite repeated representations, the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution remains unaddressed. He argued that the language embodies the cultural soul of Meghalaya and must be preserved through formal recognition. In addition, the MP sought greater job opportunities for tribal youth from Meghalaya in Group ‘C’ and support staff positions within central institutions operating in the state. He cited the provisions of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution, which safeguard tribal interests, and emphasized that these should be implemented in letter and spirit.
Syngkon also made a case for improving air connectivity in the Northeast, calling for the revival of key air routes like Shillong-Dimapur, Shillong-Agartala, and Shillong-Silchar. These routes, once operational, are critical for easing travel, promoting tourism, and enhancing integration among northeastern states. He also proposed upgrading the Shillong campus of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management into a full-fledged institute to nurture tourism entrepreneurship in the region. As of now, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the MP’s submissions. However, the demands have struck a chord among civil society groups and tribal organizations in Meghalaya, who view ILP and related protections as crucial to preserving the state’s unique identity in the face of rising migratory pressure.