The proposed online implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts is set to move forward, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, announced following a coordination meeting held at the DC’s conference hall on May 20.
The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was attended by representatives from various community and social organizations, including Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj, Agarwal Samaj, Muslim Council Dimapur, Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, Sikh Samaj, Dimapur Gorkha Union, Marwari Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Telugu Samaj, and Utkal (Oriya) Samaj.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr. Tinojongshi termed the deliberations fruitful and reiterated the state government’s commitment to implementing ILP in the three districts, as per a directive issued on May 14. He clarified that the meeting was convened to inform and engage with community stakeholders and to address any concerns regarding the rollout of the permit system.
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The ILP implementation will proceed without delay, said the Dimapur DC, adding that the earlier notification kept in abeyance due to logistical challenges has now been reviewed, and the administration is ready for execution. He urged community members to begin preparing the required documentation, particularly those seeking exemptions under the proposed guidelines.
Dr. Tinojongshi revealed that a formal notification on the implementation timeline would be released soon. He explained that individuals seeking exemption under ‘Category III’ must submit either Smart Cards or Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC). He also acknowledged the issue of non-Naga indigenous residents who lack PRCs, noting that the district administration is in discussions with the state government to potentially issue such certificates to eligible individuals.
He said, in line with government directives, the ILP application process will be fully online where applicants will need to apply digitally which aim to ensure a user-friendly interface for smooth processing.
On enforcement, the DC admitted that Dimapur undefined borders pose challenges but assured that the government has already directed a multi-departmental approach to implementation. He announced plans to establish an ILP enforcement cell to ensure compliance and coordination among departments.
In response to queries about exemption cut-off dates, Dr. Tinojongshi explained that residents who settled in the state prior to 1963 will be issued Smart Cards, while those who arrived between 1963 and November 1979 will receive PRCs. However, he refrained from elaborating on the rationale behind the categorization, stating that it was a policy decision by the government.
