In a significant move to tighten the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the District Magistrate of Papum Pare has issued an order suspending all weekly markets in the rural areas of the district until further notice. This decision forms part of the Arunachal Pradesh government’s larger initiative to regulate migration and preserve the demographic balance in the state. The directive, released on May 16, 2025, rescinds all existing permits and licenses granted to individuals, vendors, and associations for holding weekly markets in Papum Pare (Rural). This follows a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister for Home Affairs on April 30, 2025, where stricter ILP enforcement measures were discussed and adopted.
According to the order, “No weekly markets shall be allowed to operate in any sector, colony, or locality within Papum Pare District (Rural) from the date of issuance of this order.” The administration has warned that any violation of this directive will invite stringent administrative and legal action under applicable laws. To ensure rigorous enforcement, the Superintendent of Police, along with Additional Deputy Commissioners of Sagalee, Balijan, and Kimin, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Doimukh, and the Circle Officer of Gumto, have been tasked with monitoring compliance. These officials are mandated to take immediate action against any breaches.
This suspension is seen as a necessary step to reinforce the ILP framework, which aims to safeguard the cultural and social fabric of Arunachal Pradesh by managing the influx of outsiders. The ILP is a protective measure allowing regulated entry of non-residents, thereby helping maintain the unique demographic composition of the state. Earlier, the state inaugurated a new entry gate at Kimin to strengthen ILP checks further, showing the government’s commitment to implementing these rules effectively.
