The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Saturday held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj and Nagaland Bihari Samaj as part of its ongoing stakeholder consultation process on the effective implementation of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in Nagaland.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of Hotel Grand Vista, Dimapur, provided a platform for meaningful interaction between the Commission and the representatives of the two organisations. According to the ILRC, the session enabled the Commission to receive valuable inputs, concerns and recommendations, which will form an integral part of its study and assist in framing comprehensive recommendations for the transparent, practical and effective implementation of the ILR in the state.
Reiterating its commitment to an inclusive consultation process, the Commission said the exercise has, from its inception, been guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity and equal opportunity. It stated that recognising the far-reaching implications of ILR implementation on various sections of society, the Commission had extended official invitations and provided all concerned stakeholders with an equal opportunity to participate in the consultations.
The ILRC also reaffirmed the position of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) that the Nagas are the only indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland and maintained that the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation is fundamentally intended to safeguard the historical, political, demographic, economic and cultural rights of the indigenous Naga people as guaranteed under the existing constitutional and legal framework.
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At the same time, the Commission acknowledged that some non-Naga organisations may have been unable to attend the consultations due to unavoidable circumstances. In the interest of constructive engagement and participatory governance, it said the Commission remains open to receiving their views and recommendations.
The ILRC encouraged such organisations to approach the NSF office at the earliest so that appropriate consultations could be arranged within the ongoing stakeholder consultation process.
The Commission further observed that stakeholder organisations also have a responsibility to engage constructively on issues of public importance. Having provided equal opportunities to all concerned parties, it maintained that meaningful dialogue can only be achieved through active participation.
It added that the Commission’s recommendations would be formulated on the basis of the consultations held and the submissions received from participating stakeholders.
The ILRC expressed appreciation to the representatives of the Bhojpuri Samaj and Bihari Samaj for their positive participation and valuable contributions, reaffirming its commitment to conducting an objective, credible and inclusive consultative process that strengthens the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the indigenous Naga people.
