The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) conducted an Inner Line Pass (ILP) Verification Drive within its jurisdiction in Phek from April 21 to 30. The drive aimed to safeguard the rights and interests of the local populace and to curb the influx of illegal migrants into the region.

Upon verification, a total of 481 non-locals were found to be in possession of valid ILPs; however, 21 ILP defaulters were also detected. Out of these, 12 defaulters were detected in Phek under the contractor Sunil Debnath, 7 defaulters in Chizami under the contractor Mhao Humtsoe, and 2 defaulters in Pfutsero under the contractor Keviuya John Bosco Sote.

The CSU subsequently filed complaints for registration of FIRs against the 21 ILP defaulters at the respective Police Stations under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873, demanding necessary legal action in accordance with the law.

However, the CSU expressed concerns that the defaulters were immediately released after being reported by the CSU, following the issuing of ILPs by the administration, on the ground that the case is non-cognizable and not subject to FIR.

The Union insisted that violation of ILP provisions constitutes a cognizable offence, and as such, regular cases ought to be registered.

Under the BEFR Act, 1873, any person entering or remaining within the Inner Line without a valid pass is liable for punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, to a fine not exceeding Rs. 1000, or both, it said.

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The CSU demanded the government of the day to pay more attention to the ILP and that ILP defaulters should not be dealt administratively, but it should be produced before the competent court for necessary action through due process of law

The Union further called for separate Officer-in-Charge in every Police Station to ensure the proper initiation and registration of ILP violation cases. It also highlighted that the BEFR Act, 1873, is a very old law, and the prescribed fine of only Rs. 1000 is grossly inadequate today.

In 2026, over 150 years since its enactment, such a negligible penalty fails to deter defaulters or be taken seriously, it added.

Stating that it would continue to conduct ILP Verification Drives at regular intervals, the CSU also directed all the affiliated units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and ensure that all non-locals residing or working under their respective jurisdictions possess valid ILPs, keeping in mind that safety and security of the local indigenous population remain the top priority.