Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIPF) has expressed dismay with the state government over delay in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the whole of Nagaland.
NIPF through its media cell reminded that the rally organised across various districts on March 19, 2021 was a clear message that the indigenous people of Nagaland were “much concerned” about their future and safety.
It expressed apprehension that the state could soon be overwhelmed by the non-indigenous people as well as illegal migrants like the neighbouring districts of Assam and states like Tripura and Sikkim.
In this regard, the forum has appealed for stringent implementation of ILP by streamlining its mechanisms and proper sensitization of the district administrations in the state. “Who is responsible for selling ILPs like a commodity? What is the actual reality and who is gaining by selling the future of the Nagas?” NIPF questioned.
Stating that the state needed workers and labourers, the forum, however, said that work permits should be limited and issued only genuinely. It maintained that temporary/ seasonal visitors cannot be allowed to become permanent settlers.
NIPF, however, stressed that indigenous people should also inculcate work culture so the state could rely on itself instead of depending on outsiders.
The forum has, therefore, appealed to the government to hear and honour the genuine voice of the people before it was too late.
Meanwhile, NIPF has extended support to the Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation (CTYO), which recently raised the alarming issue of the increasing population of non-indigenous and illegal migrants in Nagaland especially in Chümoukedima.