Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has maintained that implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) was a continuous and evolving process, not a one-time measure. It, therefore, urged the state government to pursue the implementation with sensitivity and not to stray from the principles of coexistence and human dignity.
In a representation submitted to the home commissioner through DC Dimapur, NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon and general secretary LK Peter Anal said that the process must take into account the ground realities and socio-economic conditions of the local population. The council stressed that particular attention should be given to the needs and challenges of the common people, who would be the most directly impacted.
It asserted that the long-term success and sustainability of ILP enforcement would ultimately depend on the inclusion, cooperation, and support of those communities. Therefore, NCD has offered some suggestions to the state government for consideration.
Identification, classifications: NCD emphasised the need to first identify and maintain an accurate and transparent record of individuals and families who are indigenous to Nagaland, particularly those who have rightful entitlement prior to December 1, 1963. NCD said a comprehensive list of such individuals, families, and communities should be compiled and made publicly accessible. Similarly, it suggested that classifications for Category II and Category III residents should also be established. NCD said proper documentation of those categories would help eliminate confusion for current and future generations.
Illegal immigrants: NCD suggested that the state government place strong emphasis on the identification and verification of illegal immigrants. It said a systematic and transparent mechanism must be established to verify suspected cases and, where necessary, initiate appropriate deportation procedures in accordance with the law.
Registration of ILP: NCD reiterated that online registration system for ILP appeared to be more accessible to high-profile individuals, while many members of the public find it difficult to use. Therefore, it suggested introducing an offline registration mechanism, particularly in districts like Dimapur, where many common people, especially daily wage labourers and workers from neighbouring states, faced practical and technical challenges in accessing online services.
ILP registration fee structure: The council stated that ILP registration fee should not be designed as a means of revenue generation for the government. NCD said its primary objective should instead be to establish and reinforce the mandatory requirement for every individual or group from outside the state to obtain ILP when visiting Nagaland. It therefore suggested that fee structure should be kept minimal and affordable for the general public.
Setting up ILP Registration office/booths: The council said the state government should initially focus on identifying and allocating strategic locations for the implementation of ILP system. It said all designated strategic locations should be adequately manned. NCD said enforcement directorate should be empowered and supported accordingly. If necessary, it said additional manpower could be sourced from other departments, CSOs to ensure efficient and smooth enforcement of the ILP system.
Guarantor: With regard to the issue of guarantors, NCD pointed out that many CSOs and NGOs have proposed various practical options, which it said should be carefully reviewed and considered to help develop a viable and seamless ILP registration system.
Meanwhile, NCD suggested that strict implementation of ILP system should be preceded by a well-defined grace period, which it said would enable a smoother transition for the administration and public alike.