SHILLONG, July 5: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), a pressure group in Meghalaya, has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the immediate extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to the entire state. The appeal cites serious internal security threats, increasing infiltration, and demographic changes as reasons for the demand.
In its letter, HITO expressed grave concern over alleged cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh, reportedly aided by Pakistan’s ISI. The group warned that the growing presence of illegal migrants, often facilitated through bribery, poses a threat to India’s sovereignty and could enable the spread of sleeper cells and terror networks in the region.
HITO also alleged that thousands of infiltrators have acquired fake Aadhaar and EPIC cards to gain access to government welfare schemes and integrate into the local population. It pointed to a recent murder in Sohra involving non-locals from Madhya Pradesh as a disturbing example of the consequences of unregulated entry.
The group stressed that the ILP is no longer just a tool for cultural protection but a strategic necessity in the interest of national security. HITO noted that similar systems are already in place in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, and called on the Centre to take immediate action in consultation with the Meghalaya government.
Concluding its appeal, HITO urged the Home Minister to act decisively to preserve Meghalaya’s demographic balance, protect indigenous communities, and reinforce national efforts against infiltration and terrorism.
