Frustrated by Meghalaya govt’s alleged inaction, students set up own ILP check gate

HORNBILL TV

Pressure of immigration and sociopolitical tensions surrounding the demand to constitute the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in some of the Northeastern states are forcing civic groups to act.

Chumoukedima, Nagaland, July 6 (HBTV): Pressure of immigration and sociopolitical tensions surrounding the demand to constitute the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in some of the Northeastern states are forcing civic groups to act.  

In Meghalaya, a students’ organization went ahead and set up an ILP gate, alleging that the Meghalaya government had failed to check illegal immigrants.     

An ILP is a travel document officially issued by the concerned state government permitting inward travel of an Indian citizen in a protected territory.

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) led by its president Lambokstar Marngar and general secretary Donald Thabah today erected an Inner Line Permit check gate at Pahammawlein village along National Highway-6 in Ri Bhoi of Meghalaya.     

The move was purportedly in protest against what is alleged to be the ‘adamant attitude’ of the state’s government in combating illegal immigrants into the state.     

The KSU members also resorted to checking documents of public vehicle entering the state via National Highway-6. The area’s magistrate and Ri Bhoi Police rushed to the spot and urged for negotiation.    

The students' union stated this was not the first time that they had erected an ILP check gate to check illegal immigrants. It is alleged that the state government has failed in addressing the issue, which the communities consider a future threat for indigenous peoples.