Amid rising concerns over illegal influx, the Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) on Tuesday initiated a two-day non-local verification drive at the Kohima Village Council Hall, L. Khel, under the directive of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU).

The exercise, conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 29 and 30, is aimed at verifying and documenting non-local residents within the traditional jurisdiction of Kohima Village, with a focus on ensuring compliance with Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations.

Speaking to the media, KVSU president, Khriesaneikuo Kire clarified that the initiative is not targeted at any particular community but is intended to maintain proper records and support orderly administration.

“This is mainly a verification and documentation exercise to ensure awareness and compliance with ILP regulations. It is not targeted against any community,” Kire said.

According to him, around 50 individuals have been recorded so far during the drive. A verification fee of ₹100 is being collected from tribals from Monland areas, while ₹300 is charged for others.

Kire noted that while the ASU has previously conducted checks in urban areas, this marks the first time KVSU is carrying out such a drive in the rural jurisdiction of Kohima Village.

He further stated that concerns over the increasing influx of illegal migrants into the state, including movement from Dimapur to Kohima, prompted the initiative.

“Those found without valid ILP during subsequent inspections will be referred to the district administration,” he said, adding that follow-up inspections will be conducted after the verification process.

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While the current drive is being carried out independently by the union without direct involvement of police or civil authorities, Kire said coordination with the administration is expected in the coming days to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

He also asserted that no other individuals or groups are authorised to conduct ILP checks within KVSU’s jurisdiction.

The union clarified that students, government employees, and holders of ASU verification cards are exempted from the process.

All non-local residents—both temporary and permanent—have been asked to report with Aadhaar cards, two passport-size photographs, and valid ILP or other identification documents.

KVSU general secretary Kiyakhrienuo Solo said the drive would help the union better understand the ground situation and inform future measures.

The union has appealed to all concerned to cooperate for the smooth conduct of the verification exercise.