The United Democratic Party (UDP) of Meghalaya has urged the Centre to expedite the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state, asserting that existing legal protections are no longer adequate to shield indigenous communities from growing demographic and socio-economic pressures. A UDP delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday, 12 August to press the demand alongside several other long-pending issues.

ILP Demand and Centre's Response

The delegation was led by Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who said the ILP proposal was discussed at length during the meeting. The Centre, however, indicated that the matter would require deeper examination given its implications for other states beyond Meghalaya.

'We have discussed the ILP resolution. He said this has to be studied as it involves different states. We are not isolated. We will raise the issue from time to time,' Rymbui told reporters after the meeting.

Rymbui acknowledged that Meghalaya already benefits from protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the Land Transfer Act, but argued that these are insufficient in the current context. 'With time, we realised we need more laws to protect the indigenous people of the state,' he said.

Pending Bills and Constitutional Demands

The delegation also pressed for early clearance of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which was passed by the state Assembly and subsequently referred by the Governor to the Union Home Ministry. According to Rymbui, Shah indicated that there were 'two or three points' that Meghalaya needed to address before the Centre could consider granting approval.

On the constitutional front, the UDP sought the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Shah reportedly indicated that the process was already underway and asked the state delegation to remain patient.

Other Key Demands Raised

The delegation raised the long-pending relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, for which the state requires the allotment of defence land. On minority rights, the UDP sought legal recognition for indigenous faiths — Niam Khasi and Niamtre — arguing that followers of these traditional faiths should be entitled to minority-related benefits at par with recognised groups.

The party further requested central assistance for Meghalaya's state university, a revision of recruitment norms for 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the state, and the construction of a new national highway along the international border, running from Mahendraganj through Baghmara and Ranikor.

What Happens Next

The Centre's response on ILP — that the issue requires study due to its multi-state implications — signals a cautious approach rather than an outright rejection. The UDP has indicated it will continue to raise the demand through successive engagements. With the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020 still pending Home Ministry clearance and the Eighth Schedule push described as 'underway,' the outcomes of Wednesday's meeting remain largely procedural for now. Observers will watch whether the Centre moves on any of these demands ahead of the next legislative session.