The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has once again called for the immediate and full implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Dimapur, cautioning that further delay could lead to what it described as a “non-violent genocide” of the ethnic identity and culture of the indigenous Naga people.

Addressing a press conference on May 10 at its office, DNSU President Hinoto P Awomi asserted that the ILP is not merely an administrative tool, but a necessary safeguard to protect the cultural, territorial, and ethnic identity of the Nagas. The Union reiterated its longstanding demand that ILP enforcement in Dimapur must include a definitive cut-off year, December 1, 1963, the date Nagaland attained statehood.

The DNSU maintained that individuals who arrived before the cut-off date should be recognised as non-Naga indigenous citizens. However, the Union expressed concern that certain sections of this group, instead of supporting the ILP, have opposed its implementation. According to the Union, opposition from those who legally settled before statehood undermines the collective efforts of the indigenous Naga population in asserting their rights.

The DNSU also raised serious objections to the recent statement made by a representative of the Marwari Samaj requesting permission for non-Nagas to purchase land in Dimapur. Awomi questioned both the legitimacy and intent behind the request, urging clarification on whether the remarks were made in a personal capacity or on behalf of the community. The Union has since written to the Marwari Samaj seeking an official explanation.

Drawing attention to Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which provides special provisions for Nagaland, the DNSU leadership emphasised that the article was the result of significant sacrifice by the Naga people. They reminded that even during British rule, non-Nagas were not permitted to enter the region without the ILP.

Concerns were also raised regarding alleged misuse of political, military, and underground connections by some non-Naga individuals to intimidate and dominate local residents. The DNSU alleged that such tactics pose a direct threat to the social fabric and existence of the indigenous population.

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Declaring that the Union is prepared to take legal action if necessary, Awomi stated that DNSU will pursue all possible avenues to ensure protection of Naga rights in Dimapur. He also clarified that DNSU’s campaign for ILP in Dimapur is focused solely on the district and does not contradict the Nagaland Students’ Federation (NSF), which has taken a broader state-level approach to the issue.

Supporting the Union’s stance, DNSU General Secretary Michael Kath explained that Dimapur, as the commercial and transit hub of Nagaland, is particularly vulnerable to unchecked migration and land exploitation. He argued that ILP enforcement would be instrumental in preventing cultural dilution, economic displacement, and security concerns.

Kath appealed to the state government to move beyond tokenism and ensure that ILP is implemented “in letter and spirit,” with actual ground-level enforcement.

Further emphasizing the urgency, Assistant General Secretary Rukewezo Wetsah noted that although the state government issued a notification for ILP implementation in Dimapur on December 11, 2019, substantial enforcement remains absent. He described the current situation as a “democratic time bomb” and warned that inaction could irreversibly damage the indigenous identity of the region.

Wetsah also revealed that DNSU has submitted several appeals to the state government, demanding the establishment of effective check-post mechanisms at all entry points into Dimapur. He warned that the continued unchecked influx of migrants into Dimapur is alarming, particularly given the town’s strategic importance as Nagaland’s commercial gateway.

Further, the DNSU leadership collectively stated that the time for delay has passed, urging the state government to act decisively in implementing the ILP to safeguard the interests and future of the Naga people.