Inner Line Permit

It is essential to mention that most states in the north-eastern belt of the country demand tourists to obtain some permits for visiting them. This is primarily because the region is plagued with ethnic violence. Furthermore, the norther-eastern belt also has a sensitive geographical positioning with neighbouring countries such as China, Bhutan, and Myanmar breathing down their neck.

It is noteworthy that foreigners are also eligible for permits (both Inner Line Permit and Protected Area Permit) as long as they have an e-Visa for India. However, they don't need to have a regular tourist visa to apply for the permit. Recent times have seen the Central Government relax their permit requirements for foreigners in order to boost tourism in the Northeast. Hence international tourists no longer need to apply for permits when visiting particular states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. 

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Why in the News?

In recent times, the civil societies in Meghalaya have voiced their displeasure over the state's geopolitical situation, thereby renewing their interest in British-era Inner Line Permit or ILP. The Home Minister has already put greater emphasis on the significance of ILP in Manipur. Previously, the Inner Permit has been part of the conversation when the Government introduced the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Purpose Behind ILP

To put it simply, the Inner Line Permit or the ILP is a concept first introduced to the country by the colonial rulers. The primary purpose behind the Inner Line was building a boundary in between the tribal-populated hill areas in the North-eastern belt and the Great Indian Plains. 

Back then, the Indian citizens from other parts of the country would require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel or remain in these areas for a fixed period. The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR) introduced the concept (1873 and had Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. The state of Manipur was included later on. The founding intention behind the Inner Line was to protect the people of the north-eastern states. 

Aim of ILP

According to the Rajya Sabha, the Inner Line Permit system aims at stopping any settlement of other Indian citizens within the set of north-eastern States in the country-at least wherever the ILP regime is prevalent. As mentioned already, the fundamental intention and aim of ILP are to offer protection to the tribal/ indigenous population of that geographical location. 

About Inner Line Permit and How it Works

As mentioned already, four of the seven states from the north-eastern belt of India fall under the regime of Inner Line Permit. The states are Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The permit essentially determines both the extent of stay and the areas accessible for any non-natives or foreign tourists—moreover, it's noteworthy of mentioning that the respective state government issues the ILP. One can avail of the permit by either applying online or in person by appearing at the relevant state representative offices.

As per the experts, the Inner Line Permit is essential for holding the land and securing the heritage and legacy of the tribal culture in the Northeast. However, some opinions contradict this sentiment- many believe that ILP is, in no state, the ideal or permanent solution to the growing issue of the influx in the North East states. To put it simply, although the national constitution of India allows its citizens to travel anywhere in the country, the ILP will ultimately determine if you have the right or the purpose to enter the states that fall under its regime. 

Here's a detailed breakdown of what is Inner Line Permit is and the requirements for the North-eastern states for your comprehensive understanding.

Arunachal Pradesh Permits

All Indian tourists must have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) when visiting Arunachal Pradesh. You can apply for the permit both online or offline. If doing physically, you can call any state government office of Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, Shillong, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat. Furthermore, select few airports and railway stations also issue ILPs. 

If you are a foreigner, you will have to present a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for entering the state. Although the permit requirements were relaxed back in 2008 by the Central Government, there have been further changes in the narrative down the line. While two or more foreign travelling parties can now enter the state instead of a minimum of four, the new relaxed rules also allow solo travellers to obtain PAPs to visit Tawang, Dibrugarh, and Bomdila. 

Assam Permits

You don't need permits for visiting Assam.

Manipur Permits

Before the global health crisis in 2019, the central Government officially announced that Indian citizens would have to present an Inner Line Permit (ILP) when travelling to Manipur. Additionally, those travelling to the state by road via Kohima or Dimapur would also need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to pass through Nagaland.

While the Foreign travellers are exempted from presenting a Protected Area Permit (PAP), they will still need to register themselves at the local Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) within the immediate 24 hours of their arrival.

Meghalaya Permits

You don't need permits for visiting Meghalaya.

Mizoram Permits

Like Arunachal Pradesh, Indian tourists must apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) when travelling to Mizoram. You can obtain the permit from any Mizoram House. Additionally, you could also get it at Lenpui Airport if you are travelling by air. 

Meanwhile, the foreigners are exempted from applying for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). But much like the previous states, they must register themselves at the local Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) upon the immediate 24 hours of their arrival.

Nagaland Permits

Likewise, all Indians must present an Inner Liner Permit (ILP) when visiting the state of Nagaland, including Dimapur. The city of Dimapur was included under the ILP regime back in 2009. You can obtain the permit either online or physically visit the Nagaland House (in Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, or Guwahati). 

Like the earlier states, foreigners have been given a free run on any Restricted Area Permit (RAP). And similar to both Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, they must register their credentials at the local Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) immediately, once they have arrived before 24 hrs are over.

Sikkim Permits

It is noteworthy to mention that Indian tourists do not need any permit to visit the state of Sikkim. But having said that, few particular spots within the state require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visiting. In East Sikkim, the names include Tsongo Lake, Kupup, Nathu La, and Menmecho Lake. Then again, in North Sikkim, the list entails Lachung, Chungthang, Yumthang Valley, Yumesamdong, Lachen, Chopta, Thangu, and Gurudongmar Lake. You can obtain the permits through the local travel agencies in Gangtok.

Much like the national tourists, the foreigners must also have an Inner Line Permit for entering Sikkim. You could either try getting the permits online or you can get them at the Rangpo and Melli border crossing checkpoints. Upon presenting your identification details, Indian visa, photocopies of passport, and two passport-sized photos, you will get a thirty-day license. 

Otherwise, there's also the option of getting the permit in advance from the Sikkim Tourism offices in New Delhi and Kolkata. You must also remember to bring a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit North Sikkim. The same goes for trekking plans in the interior region of the state. You can only qualify for such permits if your group has two or more foreigners travelling together. Furthermore, your trekking or tour operator must have their credentials registered with the Sikkim Tourism Department. Then only you will be able to obtain the permits. Moreover, you will also require a one-day license for day trips from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake. 

Tripura Permits

You don't need permits for visiting Tripura.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it only fits to admit that the Northeast is a potpourri of ethnicities and culture. Their heritage and legacy are unrivalled and unlike any other to the rest of India. The Government must encourage the north-eastern people to flourish as per their comfort and convenience without imposing the rules and policies of a flawed generation. The only aim of ILP should be to encourage the prosperity and harmony of the northeast.