- Demands stringent implementation of ILP
- 637 defaulters detected between Feb 27-28
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded revocation of the order suspending Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued on June 2, 2023 for erstwhile Dimapur district (Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland) and to stringently implement the ILP in the state within 30 days by establishing all necessary mechanisms promptly.
In a letter addressed to the chief secretary, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung expressed grave concern over the lax enforcement of ILP in Nagaland and its suspension vide order no. CON-3/PAP/65/10, dated June 2, 2023 under erstwhile Dimapur district. NSF expressed concern over lax implementation of ILP when it along with its federating units have been steadfastly engaged in the verification of ILP holders in various districts of the state and across Naga homeland.
The signatories alleged, that laxity allowed an alarming influx of illegal immigrants, which has emerged as the most significant demographic threat to the indigenous population.
According to NSF since the past 150 years, ILP was instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling entry of illegal immigrants. However, they lamented that successive governments over the past several decades had struggled to execute the ILP and leading to a surge in illicit activities that endangering the unique identity and culture of the indigenous Nagas.
NSF said ILP was merely a document, but a safeguard for the interests of indigenous inhabitants for which the system required a resolute government led by honest leaders, supported by an honest bureaucracy, and backed by an honest public.NSF said failure to achieve this synergy had allowed the ILP enforcement to falter and illicit activities to thrive.
NSF also pointed out that the exclusion of erstwhile Dimapur district from the ILP regime, as indicated by the June 2023 suspension order, had created a haven for illegal immigrants. They pointed out that Dimapur, as a melting pot is overrun by individuals with questionable identities, which posed a grave threat not only to Nagaland, but also to the north-eastern region.
NSF said the identity, culture and survival of the indigenous people was at stake with the potential for societal destruction looming large. NSF said the limited size and population of the Naga homeland made it ill-equipped in handling such an overwhelming threat, risking the transformation of indigenous Nagas into refugees in their own homeland.
Further NSF expressed dismay that despite its written representation to the chief secretary’s office on October 20, 2023, urging for effective ILP implementation in the state, the government failed to take necessary steps. NSF reiterated that the communication was a plea for the preservation of “our identity and cultural heritage”.
In reaffirming its commitment, NSF disclosed that it had conducted an ILP verification drive on February 27 and 28with the aim of collecting data on the inflow of illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters. NSF revealed that the results were alarming as 637 defaulters were detected and prevented from entering the ILP zone. Most shockingly, it said a significant number of these defaulters were unaware of the ILP requirement, highlighting the government’s failure to create awareness.
NSF said that the district administration’s failure to effectively implement the ILP, despite extension to erstwhile Dimapur district on December 9, 2019, and later its subsequent suspension, was a cause for grave concern. They said this negligence had perpetuated the vulnerability of “our homeland” to external threats.
The signatories said even after formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on the implementation of ILP in erstwhile Dimapur district, the committee had failed to submit its report within the stipulated three months, as per notification no.CON-3/PAP/65/10, dated June 2, 2023.
In light of these issues, NSF demanded immediate and decisive action from the state government by revoking the suspension order and bringing the erstwhile Dimapur district under the ILP regime within 30 days from the date of this official communication and establish all necessary mechanisms promptly.
It also demanded establishment of ILP monitoring cells at Dimapur railway station, Dimapur airport, and all entry/exit points to Nagaland to ensure effective enforcement and prevent illegal entries.
Further, NSF called for stringent implementation of ILP in all district headquarterswithout delay to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population, besides improving the legal processes for ILP defaulters and take decisive action against them to deter future violations and strengthen the ILP enforcement framework.
NSF also demanded launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland about the mandatory requirement of ILP for entry into the state.
It pointed out that the demands were not just a plea, but a fervent call to protect identity, culture, and the very essence of Naga homeland.
NSF expressed the hope that the looming threat could be overcome and secure the future of the people with the chief secretary’s intervention and the commitment of the government. NSF said it looked forward to a prompt and positive response to these urgent concerns.