Shillong Feb 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma said that entry-exit point is an infrastructure and the Inner the Line Permit (ILP) is a mechanism to check influx, but stressed the need to maintain a balance where illegal immigration should not take place, and at the same time ensure that the economy is not affected.

“Entry-exit point is an infrastructure and ILP is the mechanism. We need to have a system and even if the ILP is there, how will you check if you do not have a system in place. Therefore, the infrastructure will be put in and what will be the best mechanism to put into place which will balance out the concern for illegal immigration as well as the economy. That is where we are going to work out a system that will balance the two. We are not close to any idea but that is where we would like to explore something which will suit our economy, suit our people and suit our state,” Conrad told reporters on Friday.

He was replying to a question how the government would go about setting up the entry-exit points which involved huge amount of money, while implementing the ILP is cost effective.

The government requires over Rs 1,000 crore to set up all entry and exit points in different parts of the state.

Admitting that influx issue continues to be there, even though the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) has lapsed, Conrad said the government has to be careful and take all aspects into consideration before putting in place a proper policy or a system.

“We have finalized the location for setting up of entry-exit points in four to five areas where there is maximum flow of people. Hopefully in the next four months, we will be able to start the work in East Jaiñtia Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and it is in a stage where we can start the construction work at any time,” he said.

He informed that the government has almost completed the permission for entry-exit point at Mendipathar railway station in Garo Hills.

“Within few days, the home minister and urban affairs minister will be visiting Mendipathar railway station. Advance steps have already been taken and the entry-exit point would be opened very soon in Mendipathar.

The chief minister said that the government was open to explore all possible ideas to balance out between the mechanism that is going to ensure that illegal immigration does not take place, but at same time ensure that the economy is not affected be it tourism or any kind of investment.