In order to strengthen the enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Nagaland, Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) submitted a 10-point memorandum to the state government through chief secretary on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference at the Federation’s office here, NSF president Medovi Rhi said the memorandum outlining the commission’s suggestions was submitted to the chief secretary. He mentioned that the NSF ILRC was formed for a period of three years following its fourth Federal Assembly held in 2024.
ILRC chairman Senchumo NSN Lotha highlighted that the issue of poor implementation of ILP was not a new concern for the federation, pointing out that the student body had been championing this cause for years. Over the years, he alleged that the state government remained lackadaisical in its approach towards implementing the ILP.
He said that the commission, tasked with formulating detailed suggestions and regulatory measures, came up with the suggestions to ensure proper and effective implementation of the ILP.
He claimed that Mizoram was the only state in the Northeast that had strictly implemented the regulation and reaped economic benefits. He stressed that Nagaland too must fully utilise the ILP framework to gain economic control and protect local interests.
Lotha clarified that their intent was not to obstruct the entry of outsiders into the state, but to ensure that visitors adhered to norms and respected local laws. He maintained that while no person should face harassment while obtaining an ILP, the process must involve strict scrutiny.
He said one of the key recommendations included the demand for creation of a centralised database system for ILP issuance. The commission called for storing the ILPs issued to outsiders in a single central location by setting up a Centralised Database System for maintaining data consistency.
ILRC also called for establishment of new and strengthening ILP check points, especially at key entry points like Dimapur railway station and airport. It suggested formation of a dedicated ILP enforcement wing in all district headquarters too.
The commission urged the government to organise sensitisation programmes for field personnel to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873.
The implementing departments, the NSF leaders claimed, often lacked clarity on the limitations and exemptions under the ILP regime, leading to inconsistent enforcement.
Further, the federation called for transparency in ILP fee collection and utilization, suggesting that the government establish a dedicated bank account and promote cashless transactions through Unified Payment Interface (UPI).
Suggesting that a part of the revenue be directed towards development of infrastructure such as detention centres and deportation mechanisms, and a portion earmarked to support underprivileged Naga students, Lotha questioned the amount collected thus fare and their utilisation.
The commission recommended that ILPs should not be renewed indefinitely, proposing a maximum of two extensions under exceptional circumstances, after which the ILP holder must leave the state and reapply if needed.
The NSF leaders claimed that the chief secretary had responded positively to the recommendations, with ILRC member secretary Seve R Vadeo even disclosing that the chief secretary had hinted at the formation of a joint committee in this regard.
They said the ILRC planned to intensify its outreach, including meetings with civil society organisations (CSOs) and visits to educational institutions, to raise awareness and ensure collective effort in strengthening the ILP regime.
Sharing their optimism, the student body leaders said they saw no reason why the government would sit idly on their representation.