Dibrugarh: Arunachal Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown against violations of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, detecting several individuals allegedly staying or entering the state without valid permits.
The latest operation in Lower Dibang Valley district led to the detection of 118 ILP violators, amid growing pressure for stricter enforcement following protests led by the Scheduled Tribe Bachao Andolan Committee.
Taking to X on Friday, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung said the large number of detections reflected the seriousness with which the police were implementing safeguards meant to protect indigenous communities.
“The detection of 118 ILP violators in Lower Dibang Valley reflects the seriousness with which @ArunachalPolice is enforcing its legal safeguards and protecting the rights of our indigenous people,” Natung wrote.
“The Inner Line Permit system is not a formality. It is a lawful mechanism that safeguards the identity of our state and every outsider entering Arunachal Pradesh must respect and strictly comply with ILP regulations. Violations will invite strict action under the law,” he added.
The minister also urged employers, contractors, and agencies to ensure proper verification and documentation of non-local workers before engaging them.
“At the same time, I want to remind all employers, contractors and agencies to ensure proper verification and documentation of non-local workers before engagement. Respect for our laws is respect for Arunachal Pradesh itself,” Natung stated.
Locals alleged that ILP violations often occur when contractors bring labourers from outside the state without obtaining valid permits or by producing fake documents.
“It has been seen that ILP norms are violated after contractors engage labourers from other states. Without valid ILPs or proper documents, many workers enter Arunachal Pradesh for construction work. In several cases, contractors issue fake documents for their entry into the state. Recently, many labourers from Assam were detected and stopped from entering Arunachal Pradesh,” a local resident said.
The Inner Line Permit, issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, is a mandatory travel document for Indian citizens who are not permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh but wish to enter the state.
The ILP system is aimed at protecting the demographic balance, safeguarding indigenous land rights, and preserving the cultural identity of tribal communities from unchecked outside influx.
Earlier, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved measures to make the ILP system more stringent and effective.
The decision came in the wake of a 36-hour statewide shutdown enforced by the Scheduled Tribe Bachao Andolan Committee, which disrupted normal life across Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday.
“The shutdown affected normal life in Arunachal Pradesh. After that, the government became more determined to implement ILP rules strictly. ILP is like a weapon for us that safeguards our rights,” another resident said.
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