Says roadmap to be based on stakeholder inputs
DIMAPUR, JUN 27 (NPN): The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Bhojpuri Samaj and Bihari Samaj at Hotel Grand Vista, Dimapur, on June 27 as part of its ongoing stakeholder consultation process on the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in Nagaland.
In a press release, ILRC said the meeting enabled the commission to receive inputs, concerns and recommendations from the two organisations, which would form part of its study and assist in formulating comprehensive recommendations for the implementation of the ILR in the state in a transparent, practical and effective manner.
The commission stated that the consultation process had, from its inception, been guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity and equal opportunity.
It said official invitations had been extended to all concerned stakeholders, recognising that the implementation of the ILR had implications for various sections of society.
Reiterating the NSF’s unwavering position, the commission maintained that the Nagas were the only indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland and that the implementation of the ILR was intended to safeguard the historical, political, demographic, economic and cultural rights of the indigenous Naga people under the existing constitutional and legal framework.
The commission acknowledged that some non-Naga organisations may have been unable to participate in the consultations due to unavoidable circumstances. The commission said it remained open to receiving the views and recommendations of such organizations and encouraged them to approach the NSF office at the earliest so that appropriate consultations could be arranged as part of the ongoing stakeholder consultation process.
ILRC also stated that stakeholder organisations had a corresponding responsibility to engage constructively on issues of public importance.
It maintained that, having extended equal opportunities to all concerned parties, the commission’s recommendations would be formulated on the basis of consultations and submissions received from participating stakeholders.
The commission expressed appreciation to the representatives of the Bhojpuri Samaj and Bihari Samaj for their participation and valuable contributions, and reiterated its commitment to conducting an objective, credible and inclusive consultative process to strengthen the implementation of the ILR while protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous Naga people.