In the a letter to the Chief Secretary, the Naga Students’ Federation addressed urgent measures for the enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur District and beyond. The Federation has requested the Chief Secretary to take necessary action for the establishment of ILP Cell at Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport, to initiate stringent implementation of ILP System in all District Headquarters and improvement of legal process/action for ILP defaulters.
“The ILP, which has been an integral part of our peoples’ history for the past 150 years, has been instrumental in regulating the flow of tourists and preventing the influx of illegal immigrants. However, it is with deep concern that we acknowledge the challenges and lapses in the diligent execution of the ILP over the past six decades. These oversights have allowed illicit activities to flourish, posing a significant threat to our indigenous population and our unique identity and culture,” stated the NSF in a letter issued by its President Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung.
Having actively worked alongside its Federating Units on the verification of ILP holders in various districts for several years, the NSF pointed out the inadequate enforcement of the ILP in the State, leading to the alarming growth of illegal immigrants. This, according to the NSF, now stood as the most substantial demographic threat to our indigenous population.
The Implementation of the ILP regime in Dimapur, coupled with the lack of stringent enforcement of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BERF) 1873, highlighted the NSF, has created a fertile ground for illegal immigrants.
The consequences of allowing Dimapur to be overrun by individuals with questionable identities lacking proper identification documents are dire, according to the Federation, which will pose a severe threat not only to Dimapur but also to the rest of Nagaland and the North Eastern hills.
“The very survival of our identity and culture is at stake, which could ultimately lead to societal destruction. Given Nagaland’s limited size and population, we are ill-equipped to handle such a formidable threat, potentially turning our own people into refugees in our homeland,” stated the Federation.
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Thus, the Federation has earnestly requested the State Government to establish the ILP Cell at Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport. “These are the primary entry points to Nagaland and must be equipped to streamline the inflow of individuals and prevent illegal immigrants from gaining access to our state. Additionally, we recommend the establishment of ILP monitoring cells at all entry and exit points to ensure a foolproof mechanism,” asserted the NSF.
Proposing an enhancement of the legal process and actions to be taken against ILP defaulters, the NSF asserted that it is vital to make the consequences for violating the ILP system more stringent, dissuading potential offenders.
Reaffirming its commitment towards the implementation and verification of ILP, the Federation also extended joint collaboration with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the ILP regime.
“The government must exhibit the necessary political will to fulfill this commitment,” stated the NSF.
