The Chief Minister of Manipur has recently made headlines by virtually launching the e-ILP platform for an improved regulation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. This significant implementation of the ILP system came into effect on the first day of January 2020. In this northeastern state, there are four types of ILP permits that are being issued. These include temporary, regular, special and labour permits.
The Background of the ILP System
The ILP System has its roots in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873. During this period, the British had established regulations to limit the entry and regulate the stay of foreigners in designated areas for safeguarding the Crown’s commercial interests. The main intent was to inhibit “British subjects”, or Indians from trading within these regions. A noteworthy change occurred in 1950 when the Indian government substituted “British subjects” with “Citizen of India”. This modification was carried out to address local apprehensions regarding the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people against outsiders from other Indian states.
About the ILP System
The ILP is a mandatory document that Indian citizens hailing from other states need to hold in order to enter some specific states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur. It is solely issued for travel purposes by the State Government in charge. These states hold the privilege of being exempted from the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The CAA aims to simplify the eligibility criteria for certain groups of migrants from three countries seeking Indian citizenship. However, it exempts certain categories of areas, including the ones safeguarded by the Inner Line system.
Rules for Foreigners in ILP Regulated Areas
Regulations for foreigners differ slightly from those for domestic tourists when it comes to visiting tourist places. Foreigners are required to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP), unlike the ILPs needed by domestic tourists. As per the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas lying between the ‘Inner Line’, as defined in the order, and the International Border of the State have been designated as a Protected Area.
Foreigners, in general, are not permitted to visit a Protected/Restricted Area unless it has been established beyond doubt to the satisfaction of the Government that there are extraordinary reasons justifying such a visit.
