2019 – Posted in: Daily News – Tags: Inner Line Permit, Meghalaya, National Register of Citizens, permit for travellers

Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act of 2016

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered:

About Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act 2016
The recent amendment to the act
Why the amendment needed?
What is Inner Line Permit?

News flash

Meghalaya brought ordinance on entry mandatory for visitors who intend to spend more than 24 hours in the state. Central and state government employees are exempt from the new entry rule.

In a bid to protect the interest of tribal citizens, state cabinet approved the amended Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA). This act was previously applicable only to tenants.
The recent amendment aimed at keeping a tab on illegal immigrants.

Meghalaya

Highlights

The ordinance will bring into effect Inner Line Permit (ILP) like requirements operational in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh that require people from outside the state to register before entering.
The act is applicable to peoples who are interested in visiting the state as tourists, labourers, business, education and other purposes.
In case of violation, the offender will be liable to be punished under the section of 176 or 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860.

Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA)

The MRSSA was passed in 2016 as part of the comprehensive mechanisms to check influx and illegal immigration into the state after expressing its inability to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP).

Why this step taken?

The amendment comes in the backdrop of demands by civil society and political leaders, that people excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam might try to enter Meghalaya.

Inner line Permit/ permit for travellers

ILP is an official travel document issued by the central government to grant the inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period.
The main purpose of the IPL is to monitor the activity of tourists. It will also monitor the inflow of people in certain areas that are close to international borders or are remote and are a cultural minority.
Visitors are not allowed to purchase property in these regions.
Till date, there are three states that require ILP are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Source: The Hindu