"We unanimously decided to recommend the introduction of the ILP in the state for protecting the people from illegal migration to Meghalaya," Deputy Chief Minister B M Lanong told reporters after a meeting of the committee.
The mandate of the Lanong committee was to review the situation of influx in the state and to suggest a multi- pronged strategy and a practical approach to tackle it.
The committee also sought to recommend the introduction of a three-tier Identity Card system besides the ILP.
The ILP is issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, by a few state governments in the North East region.
Lanong said it would depend on the government which recommendation to implement and how to implement it.
Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), along with eight other organisations, has sought restrictions like the ILP, required by Indian citizens to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram, saying that the influx in Meghalaya might go out of control given its proximity to Bangladesh and Assam.
Businessmen in the hospitality sector have, however, opposed the implementation of the ILP.
"Our state cannot survive in isolation. The committee's decision will adversely affect the tourism industry of Meghalaya if ILP is implemented," former home minister and chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum R G Lyngdoh said.
