Pema Khandu. | Photo credit: PTI
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced that the state government is set to introduce a comprehensive digital overhaul of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, calling it the “most significant step” in improving monitoring of non-Arunachal movement into the state.
Mr Khandu told the media on Friday (November 22, 2025) in Koloriang, Kurung Kumey district that the process of digital integration has been going on for almost three years and the project has now entered its final phase.
“Technology partners have already completed the backend integration and the new ILP system is expected to go live in the coming months,” he said.
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The upgraded digital platform, Mr. Khandu said, will provide the state with complete real-time records of all visitors, migrant workers and existing ILP holders.
“Finally we will have the data we were waiting for. Many people have come, now we need to know who they are, how long they stayed and whether their ILPs are valid or expired. Even those with ILPs who are overstaying will now be visible in the system,” the chief minister said. He added that a detailed note on the reform will be shared once the rollout is complete.
Responding to questions about the presence of illegal Bangladeshi nationals, Mr Khandu urged the public not to panic over claims on social media, but assured that verification and enforcement would continue strictly.
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He said intensive ILP checks have already been carried out across the districts based on the instructions issued by the DGP, Home Ministry, ACP and SP.
Citing official figures, the Chief Minister said that between January and November this year, around 5,000 ILP violators were detected, each of whom was pushed back.
“We do not discriminate between Hindus, Muslims or Bangladeshi Muslims. Anyone who violates ILP norms is sent back. Once the ILP system is fully digitized, monitoring and accountability will become more robust, thereby tightening the state’s control over illegal entry and overstaying,” he said.
Arunachal Pradesh is protected under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, which mandates that all non-residents, including Indian citizens from outside the state, must obtain an ILP before entry.
The ILP system serves as both a regulatory and protective mechanism to help protect the state’s indigenous communities, land rights and cultural identity. Officials said, “The upcoming digital upgrade is expected to modernize enforcement while maintaining the historical safeguards guaranteed by the BEFR Act.”
Published – 22 Nov 2025 13:26 IST
