A consultative meeting over the issue of Illegal Immigrants and Inner Line Permit (ILP) was held at the police complex in Rhododendron Hall , Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima Monday, chaired by deputy chief minister Y.
Patton where it was decided to recommit to safeguarding Nagaland’s demographic balance and preserving its cultural identity while ensuring the legal entry of non residents under the ILP framework. Those who attended included senior civil and police officials and civil society representatives, including student organizations where the subjects of illegal immigration and ILP was deliberated at length..
In his opening remarks, deputy chief minister in-charge home Patton clarified the distinction between illegal immigration and the ILP, urging the public not to confuse the two. He emphasized that the ILP is a legal framework governing the entry of non-residents into Nagaland, while the presence of illegal immigrants poses a separate, serious challenge.
Patton also addressed a viral video circulating on social media, explaining that immediate action was taken by the police and district administration. In response, three counters were set up at Dimapur Railway Station to monitor all exit routes and identify suspected illegal immigrants among travellers deboarding at the station.
Patton highlighted the importance of Dimapur as a major transit point, noting that 41 trains pass through the station daily, with 19 to 24 halting there. This makes the station not only a hub for passengers travelling to Nagaland but also to Assam and Manipur, heightening the need for strict vigilance.
Since January, authorities have arrested 93 illegal immigrants, with 43 apprehended in August alone. Patton expressed concern that unchecked immigration could lead to a demographic crisis similar to that experienced by Tripura. He also discussed the social implications of intermarriage between locals and illegal immigrants, cautioning that this could result in identity issues in the future.
To strengthen the implementation of the ILP, Patton announced that an “ILP Implementation Committee,” led by him, had submitted its report to the state government. While no specific timeframe was provided, he assured that a decision would be made soon after consultations with apex civil society organizations. He also appealed to groups not to issue ultimatums to the government on this sensitive issue, asking for patience as discussions continue.
Patton reiterated the need for public cooperation in tackling the illegal immigrant issue, pointing to cases in Assam where thousands of fake Aadhaar cards were discovered. “We cannot blame only the government. We are the ones inviting illegal immigrants,” he said, urging the public to be vigilant and proactive.
After the meeting, Patton spoke to the media, refusing to provide a specific timeline for the ILP’s full implementation but promising that progress would be made “very soon.”
State Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between illegal immigrants and those entering through the ILP. Sharma reassured attendees that there had been no observed influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh despite recent political unrest in the neighboring country.
He called on local leaders, colony councils, and village chiefs to be vigilant when issuing identification documents to prevent misuse.
Sharma also noted ongoing efforts to improve the ILP system, including the development of an online application process to ensure better monitoring and tracking of nonresidents entering the state. He urged student organizations and civil society to work with law enforcement rather than take matters into their own hands.
Commissioner Nagaland Anden Konyak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, stating that the state is fully aware and alert to the situation. In the wake of the political unrest in Bangladesh, video conferences were held with all deputy commissioners, instructing them to maintain strict surveillance and conduct regular checks for illegal immigrants.
Civil society organizations, including the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), also participated in the meeting. NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon recalled the organization’s past efforts to enforce the ILP in Dimapur in 2011, which were halted due to public opposition and lack of government support. Kikon called for immediate ILP implementation in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, stressing the urgency of long-term policies to control immigration.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi however in a message expressed frustration since no concrete decision was take at the meeting, terming a “waste of time”. He also warned that the NSF would walk out of the meeting if no discussion were held.
He pointed that enough suggestions and advices were already in public domain on the implementation of ILP, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government on the suspension of ILP and also on the delay of implementing it.
He emphasised that ILP was essential for safeguarding Nagaland’s future.
Pointing out that Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts were in Nagaland and not Assam, he called for implementation of ILP in the three districts at the earliest.
He disclosed that the NSF had conveyed to the deputy chief minister that the federation would stick to the earlier demands and requested him to look into the matter with utmost urgency.
Other speakers at the meeting included representatives from Chakhroma Public Organization Chümoukedima, Niuland District GBs Association, Naga Students, Federation, Dimapur Naga Students Union, Naga Women Hoho, Western Sumi Youth Front, Kuki Union Chümoukedima, Chümoukedima Lotha Hoho, Kachari representative, Ao Union Chümoukedima, GB Unit Dimapur Sardar, Rengma Public Union Chümoukedima, etc.
All speakers called for immediate action on identifying, detecting, and deporting of illegal immigrants and implementation of ILP in Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima.