SHILLONG, Jan 16: The Conrad K Sangma-led MDA government on Wednesday said it would invite all political parties and civil society organisations to discuss its proposal for an Inner Line Permit (ILP)-like provision under the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, aimed at addressing the issue of influx and illegal immigration in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said opposition to the proposal without understanding its content was premature. He said the government wants a constructive and inclusive discussion before taking any decision.
“Our core issue is illegal immigration. The issue is not ILP, not the Immigration Act or the MRSSA. We need effective laws and mechanisms to check illegal immigration,” Sangma said, urging opposition parties and organisations to engage in dialogue.
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He said the government was open to criticism and correction, but only through discussion. “We are not saying that what we have proposed is absolutely right. We could be wrong. But we can reach that conclusion only through dialogue,” he said, adding that the government was merely exploring another possible option to address the problem.
Sangma said consultations would be held to explain the proposal in detail and to build consensus before moving forward. He stressed that simply rejecting an idea without discussion was not a constructive approach, and assured that concerns raised by stakeholders would be addressed through amendments or alternative measures if required.
Refuting claims by opposition leader Mukul Sangma that the government had failed to implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), the chief minister said the Act was being implemented in many localities, though challenges remained. He cited infrastructure gaps and the need for investment but maintained that the system was gradually being expanded.
On criticism that the government should first fix MRSSA before proposing a new law, Sangma said several structural issues existed in the Act itself. He pointed out inconsistencies between the Act and its rules, particularly on the provision for entry and exit checkpoints, which he said were mentioned in the rules but not clearly provided for in the Act.
“There are areas where the Act and the rules do not align. Rules cannot go beyond what the Act permits,” he said, adding that these gaps necessitate a fresh discussion on legal mechanisms.
The chief minister reiterated that the government would continue discussions with political parties and civil society organisations to find an effective and broadly acceptable solution to tackle illegal immigration in Meghalaya.
