ILP should not stop tourists from coming to Meghalaya: Rakkam Sangma

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 10, 2025

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Tuesday said the inner line permit (ILP), if implemented in Meghalaya, should not affect tourists coming into the state.

“It is well and good if ILP can be introduced so that we can regulate (entry of people from outside) better. However, be it ILP or any other system should not stop tourists (from coming to the state) as tourists are like bread and butter to the state,” Sangma told reporters.

Stating that tourism is the strength of Meghalaya’s economy, the minister said, “Therefore, tourism should grow and it should benefit people, who are getting livelihood out of this. So let us work together so that our tourism grows better.”

Expressing concern over the issue of illegal immigration, Sangma said the state needs ILP to regulate the flow of influx and illegal immigration.

As Meghalaya waits for the Centre’s approval for ILP, the minister however said the state already has mechanisms in place like the Sixth Schedule, Land Transfer Act and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016 to address the issue of illegal immigration.

“We are empowered. We have the Dorbar Shnongs, we have the Nokmas in every locality (and) we are well equipped to detect whether there is any illegal settler or not. But this will only work systematically when everybody takes responsibility. If every Dorbar Shnong, if every Nokma scrutinise and detect illegal immigrants who will come because the land belongs to us, land belongs to the community, so it doesn’t mean that we can buy land and settle here, no Meghalaya does not allow, there are many procedures to be followed. We have the district councils and NOCs from the district councils will also be required so I don’t think its easy (for them) to just come and settle in Meghalaya,” he stated.