Editor,
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system is a constitutionally protected safeguard that exists to preserve the rights, identity, land, and demographic security of the indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh. It is not a matter of sentiment, convenience, or political negotiation; it is a legal mechanism designed to protect vulnerable indigenous communities from the pressures of unchecked migration and demographic change.
While the historical and cultural connections between the Mising community and several tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are acknowledged and respected, such ties cannot supersede the rule of law. The legal position remains clear: all non-APST individuals entering or residing in Arunachal Pradesh must comply with the ILP regime, regardless of ethnic affiliation or historical association.
Granting exemptions on the basis of cultural affinity or shared ancestry would create a dangerous precedent that could weaken the very foundation of a protection mechanism that has safeguarded Arunachal Pradesh for generations. The integrity of the ILP system depends upon its consistent and impartial application.
We therefore call upon the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to:
Strictly enforce the ILP system across the state without exception.
Reject any demand for community-specific exemptions that undermine existing legal protections.
Strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent violations.
Protect the constitutional, cultural, and demographic interests of the indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh.
Ensure that welfare measures, reservations, and protections intended for APST communities remain reserved for their lawful beneficiaries.
This position is not directed against any particular community. It is a principled defence of the legal safeguards that protect Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous peoples and their future. Respect for cultural ties must coexist with respect for the law. The ILP system must remain intact, effective, and non-negotiable.
Protect Indigenous Rights. Uphold the Rule of Law. Preserve Aruna-chal Pradesh.
A citizen