Shillong, Dec 5 (IANS): Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Thursday blamed migrants for the rise in crime against women in the state.

This year alone (from January to September), 250 cases of crimes against women were registered. Of these, 151 were related to rape, according to state government statistics.

"We are ashamed of listening to reports of so many crimes, especially against women and children. Why is it happening? It is happening because of lots and lots of migration of people," Sangma said in a speech at "Stakeholders Conclave on Green Mission".

"Certain living conditions are leading to the tendency in people to commit various crimes," he said.

Sangma's statement comes in the wake of 13 pressure groups demanding the re-introduction of the British-era Inner Line Permit to restrict the entry of outsiders in Meghalaya.

The pressure groups say the absence of the ILP system has resulted in unchecked migration to Meghalaya, given the state's proximity to Bangladesh and Assam.