Nagaland DUCCF concern over IBI verification, ILP flaws

Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has raised serious concerns over the IBI issue, gaps in the ILP system and lack of transparency in urban governance, cautioning that the present approach of the authorities may have far-reaching implications for Dimapur and the State.
Addressing the media, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato, said the federation had no objection to the eviction drive undertaken by the Assam government but questioned whether humanitarian concerns were being overlooked in the treatment of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs). He said the federation wanted to know where refugee and relief camps were being established.
Zasivikho also questioned whether the Assam government had carried out proper surveys and verification on IBIs, given that the matter was a cross-border issue.
If not addressed carefully, he warned the situation could have wider implications, including potential effects on Dimapur.
On the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, he pointed out that the current app did not include the guarantor mechanism and appealed to the government to rectify the issue, stating that it was difficult to become a guarantor using only a phone number. He said GBs and chairpersons, being aware of the local workforce, were best placed to identify individuals and recommended that only indigenous persons be allowed to act as guarantors, with indigenous certificate serial numbers used for verification.
DUCCF vice president Wojamo Yanthan added that without involving local councils, the ILP or IBI initiatives were unlikely to succeed.
Zasivikho said that while the state government was doing its best, DUCCF appealed to authorities, particularly the police, to send back any IBIs found, reiterating the federation’s zero tolerance.
DUCCF vice president Vikheto Chisho appreciated the developmental works initiated by Dimapur Municipal Council CEO. He requested the DMC to maintain parking areas from Clock Tower to Holy Cross School junction and along the opposite side near NST Colony, especially with the festive season approaching.
Chisho also urged the DMC to take up with the Urban department the repair of the poor stretch along Bata Charali and Bata Line, noting that while one side was in good condition and used for parking, the other required attention.
DUCCF vice president Tongzuk Pongen highlighted concerns over urban issues, noting that while an RTI filed in 2024 had been received, a second RTI was still awaiting response. He stressed the need for transparency in urban projects in the Dimapur area and suggested that details of works carried out since 2018- including project names and funding sources- be displayed on signboards for public awareness and benefit.