Nepali/Gorkha citizens require ILP: NSF-ILRC

The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) under the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has clarified a long-standing misconception regarding the exemption of Nepali/Gorkha citizens from the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in Nagaland.
Contrary to popular belief, ILRC said Nepalis/Gorkhas are required to obtain an Inner Line Pass (ILP) to enter/reside in the State. Under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, ILRC said ILP is mandatory for all non-natives residing within ILP-notified areas, including Nagaland.
The only exemptions apply to non-indigenous persons who were settled in the erstwhile Naga Hills prior to the formation of Nagaland Statehood in December 1963. ILRC noted that confusion arises from misinterpretations of the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950. While the treaty grants reciprocal privileges on movement, residence, trade, and property, ILRC said these were subject to domestic laws of each country. It said that India’s protective legislations- including BEFR, 1873, and Article 371(A) and other constitutional safeguards for indigenous communities, remain fully applicable, and the treaty does not override ILR provisions.
It emphasised that the ILP is not a citizenship-based system, but a protective mechanism regulating entry into tribal and protected areas. As such, ILRC said even Nepalis/Gorkhas who are Indian citizens, are required to obtain ILP unless they fall under the pre-1963 settled category. It also said that Nepali nationals, being foreign citizens, are also subject to both ILP requirements and applicable immigration regulations.
In this regard, ILRC has urged the public and all stakeholders to refrain from spreading or relying on incorrect assumptions regarding ILP exemptions. It said that the legal position was clear: “only non-indigenous persons settled in the Naga Hills prior to 1963 are exempted, and Nepali/Gorkha citizens- whether Indian citizens or nationals of Nepal- are not automatically exempt from ILP requirements in Nagaland.”
ILRC further stated that to ensure proper enforcement and compliance, surprise checks will be conducted at any time and at any location.