In this photo taken July 1, 2023, vehicles are seen entering Nagaland via New Field Check Gate, Dimapur one of the main entry points the State. The NSF has demanded bringing Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland districts under ILP system ambit within 30 days. (Morung File Photo)
Kohima, February 28 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded bringing Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland districts under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) ambit within 30 days by revoking a Nagaland Government order dated June 2, 2023.
"Establish all necessary mechanisms promptly," the Federation stated in a representation to the State Chief Secretary.
In the representation, the NSF also called for the establishment of ILP Monitoring Cells at Dimapur Railway station, Dimapur Airport, and all entry or exit points to Nagaland State to ensure effective enforcement and prevent illegal entries.
It also demanded for stringent implementation in all district headquarters without delay, safeguarding the interests of our indigenous population.
The apex Naga students’ organisation also batted for enhancing the legal process and taking decisive action against ILP defaulters to deter future violations and strengthen the enforcement framework. The Federation also advocated for launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the State.
"These demands are not just a plea but a fervent call to protect our identity, culture, and the very essence of the Naga homeland," added the representation appended by the NSF President Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung.
It further noted that with the intervention of the Chief Secretary’s office and the commitment of the State Government, a “looming threat” can be overcome and secure the future of our people.
ILP not mere document
Justifying the demands, the representation pointed out that the NSF and its Federating Units have been steadfastly engaged in the verification of ILP holders in various districts of the Nagaland State and across the Naga homeland.
"It is with profound concern that we observe the insufficient implementation of the ILP, allowing an alarming influx of illegal immigrants to emerge as the most significant demographic threat to our indigenous population," it said.
According to the NSF, ILP is a testament to its 150-year existence and has been “instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling the entry of illegal immigrants.” However, over the past several decades, successive governments have struggled to execute the ILP diligently, leading to a surge in illicit activities that endanger our unique identity and culture.
The Federation further asserted that ILP is not merely a document but a “safeguard for the interests of our indigenous inhabitants.” However, it requires not just a document but a resolute government, led by honest leaders, supported by an honest bureaucracy, and backed by an honest public, it noted. The failure to achieve this synergy has allowed the ILP enforcement to falter and illicit activities to thrive, it added.
Accordingly, the NSF claimed that exclusion of Dimapur District (erstwhile) from the ILP regime, as indicated by the June 2, 2023 suspension order has “created a perilous haven for illegal immigrants.”
“Dimapur, as a melting pot overrun by individuals with questionable identities, poses a grave threat not only to Nagaland but also to the North Eastern hills,” it alleged. “The limited size and population of the Naga homeland make it ill-equipped to handle such an overwhelming threat, risking the transformation of our people into refugees in our homeland,” it asserted, adding that “identity, culture, and very survival are at stake.”
The NSF further said that it was disheartened that despite its written representation to the Chief Secretary's office on October 20, 2023, urging effective ILP implementation in the state, the government has failed to take the necessary actions. This communication was a plea for the preservation of our identity and cultural heritage, the representation stated.
637 ‘defaulters’ detected in two days
Meanwhile, the NSF informed the Chief Secretary that in furtherance of its commitment and with the aim of collecting data on the inflow of ‘illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters,’ it conducted an ILP Verification drive on February 27 and 28.
“The results were alarming, with 637 defaulters detected and prevented from entering the ILP Zone,” it added. Most shockingly, a significant number of these defaulters were unaware of the ILP requirement, underscoring the government’s failure to create awareness, it pointed out.
Moreover, the district administration’s failure to effectively implement the ILP, despite its extension to Dimapur (erstwhile) on December 9, 2019, and its subsequent suspension, is a cause for grave concern, it added. Even with the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on the implementation of ILP in the areas of Dimapur (erstwhile) district, the Committee has failed to submit its report within the stipulated three months, as per June 2, 2023 order, it added.
Against this backdrop, the NSF made the aforesaid demands for “immediate and decisive action” by the government of the day.
