DAYO welcomes implementation of ILP

Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) has welcomed the government’s decision to strictly implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts. DAYO through its media cell described the move as “a welcome assertion of law and order” and affirmed to extend its support to the administration’s efforts.
However, the youth body reminded that only magistrates were legally empowered to impose fines. DAYO cautioned that no unauthorized individual or group should take advantage of the current transitional period. Stating that ILP situation remains fluid, with sensitive implications and necessary rectifications under review, DAYO stressed on condemning and legally addressing any exploitation.
DAYO asserted that Dimapur has always fallen under the administrative jurisdiction of Nagaland since statehood and therefore “remains unquestionably” subject to Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873.
“There can be no rollback of ILP implementation in Dimapur- this is non-negotiable,” DAYO affirmed. It reminded that establishment of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) by the state government on June 29, 2019 preceded the December 9 notification extending ILP to the entire Dimapur district.
After five years, DAYO said it was clear that ILP exemptions specifically for indigenous inhabitants and for landowners based on cut-off year of December 1, 1963 have been accounted for. “The process is now complete and irreversible,” it added. Further, DAYO urged the people of Nagaland to remain vigilant of their birthright under ILP as the Citizenship Amendment Act was already in force and National Register of Citizens in Assam have rendered nearly 20 lakh individuals stateless.
Stating that Nagaland’s porous borders leave the people of the state vulnerable, DAYO has, therefore, demanded all tribal apex bodies of Nagaland to urgently verify and object to the double entry of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the election photo identity cards (EPIC) in both Assam and Nagaland.
Meanwhile, DAYO urged the citizens of Dimapur to channel any ILP related grievances through legally competent authorities. Calling for foster understanding and unity, rather than division and confusion, DAYO urged all to collectively uphold the law and protect the future.