Implement ILP and exempt Meghalaya from CAA , NGOs reaffirm

Shillong: At least three NGOs have called on the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to request the Center to grant Meghalaya complete immunity from the ambit of the Citizenship Amendment Act and its regulations.
They also advocated immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya to curb unchecked migration into the state.
In a memorandum sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, central bodies of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Jaintia National Council (JNC) and Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CORP) urged for immediate action.
HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem stressed the need for the Meghalaya Chief Minister to pressurize the central government for a complete exemption from the CAA and its rules.
He raised concerns about the recent notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on March 11 this year.
Acknowledging the CAA’s exemption in tribal areas, Synrem pointed out that parts of Meghalaya, particularly Shillong city areas, lack provisions of the Sixth Schedule and host a significant migrant population.
He questioned the efficacy of barring immigrants from obtaining citizenship under the Act in these areas without proper monitoring mechanisms.
Expressing apprehension about possible influx from neighboring northeastern states, particularly Assam, Synrem stressed the need to implement the ILP system and ensure a complete exemption from the CAA to protect Meghalaya’s interests.
NGOs claim that without these measures, Meghalaya may face negative consequences due to irregular migration, stressing the need for urgent action to protect Meghalaya’s demographic integrity and socio-cultural fabric.