Jacob reiterates state govt’s stand on implementation of ILP

Two days after chief minister Neiphiu Rio held a consultative meeting with the non-Naga communities of Dimapur to deliberate on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue, PHE and cooperation minister Jacob Zhimomi reiterated the stand of the government on implementation of ILP. Jacob said this while speaking as the special guest at the 40th general conference of the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) at WSH Hiyam, Chekiye under the theme “Friendship and Unity”.
Expressing serious concern over the increasing number of illegal immigrants in the State, Jacob said that they (illegal immigrants) have already started to interfere in the society’s social fabric and livelihood. Therefore, he said the State would be in utter chaos if there was no rule of law.
He therefore reminded that the provision (BEFR 1873), which was already in place, was being implemented to protect and safeguard the future and identity of the Nagas, and for this he sought the cooperation of all. He further pointed out that the state government has come out with two cut-off years– 1963 and 1979 under which the ILP regime would be enforced.
He mentioned that non-Nagas who had been residing and owning lands before statehood (1963) can own landed property but can only sell to indigenous Naga inhabitants of the state.
Jacob further said that non-Nagas who settled on or before December 1,1963 cannot be eligible to obtain indigenous certificates but would be eligible for permanent residential certificate (PRC). Those who have settled after the Statehood (1963-1979), would be eligible for PRC and ILP including those who have settled after 1979, he said.
He further said the state government has listed out various categories like labourers, tourist missionaries, professors, traders and students etc. covered under the ILP regime with fixed fees and time duration. The minister further said that for any non-Naga employee seeking to work in Nagaland, the employer would be the guarantor.
Jacob said that the process was important to safeguard and protect the indigenous Nagas. He, however, made known that the process was not about chasing away the non-Nagas, but the provisions were already in place under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation since 1873.
Meanwhile, the minister encouraged the gathering to live and change for better tomorrow and called upon the Sumi community in particular to unite as a community to progress and thrive.
“Sumis are bold in nature, but are we able to display that boldness for truth when we go out…? And so we need to rethink and engage in serious discussions,” Jacob stated.
Layng emphasis on farming and farmers, the minister noted that farming was a respectable occupation in other countries. Reminding that Nagas have been blessed with fertile lands, Jacob encouraged the gathering and the youths to focus on farming and become progressive farmers by way of using the latest technologies available.
On the occasion, the gathering observed a minute’s silence to honour the pioneers.
Short speeches were also delivered by Sümi Hoho president Nikheto Zhimomi, Sümi Kükami Hoho president Kashito Yepthomi and Western Sümi Kükami Hoho president Vikuto Achumi.
Earlier, the invocation was proposed by Chekiye Ghami Baptist Akukuhou Rev. Dr Toniho Kiho, welcome address by WSH convenor judicial board Vihoto K Achumi.
Highlights of the conference include special number presentation by Akuvuto choir and adoption of nine-point resolution “Chekiye resolution”.
Other organizations like the Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Totimi hoho, Sumi youth fronts including the village chiefs also attended the programme.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Kuhoi Zhimomi and benediction was proposed by NCRC Chekiye Ghami pastor Ananto Sümi.
Further, new team of the Western Sumi Hoho office bearers (2023-26) was also elected led by Shikaho Zhimomi as president, Vikato K Achumi vice president and Vikato Shikhu as general secretary.