Inner Line Permit is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system.
The ILP was introduced by the British Government in the Bengal East Frontier Regulations, 1873, in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram.
This was to protect the Crown’s own commercial interests by preventing “British subjects” (Indians) from trading within these regions.
In 1950, the Indian government replaced “British subjects” with “Citizen of India”.
Manipur is the fourth state in India that recently came under ILP.
No Indian citizen can visit any of these states unless he or she belongs to that state, nor can he or she overstay beyond the period specified in the ILP.
Any person is entitled to renew his permit every six months if he is not a native in these states despite the fact that he/she is a long-term resident.
This permit also regulates the movement to certain areas located near the international borders of India.
An ILP is issued by the state government concerned. It states the dates of travel and also specifies the particular areas in the state which the ILP holder can travel to.
Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit tourist places which are different from Inner Line Permits needed by domestic tourists.
