The Angami Students’ Union conducts an ILP vigil drive in State capital Kohima on August 6. (Photo Courtesy: ASU)
Kohima, August 6 (MExN): Following an Inner Line Permit (ILP) “vigil” drive on August 6, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has flagged the lax enforcement of the regulatory framework for checking undocumented individuals in Nagaland.
During the vigil conducted across Kohima, the ASU informed that a total of 47 individuals were found without ILP, while 22 others were either in possession of expired permits or improperly documented.
The findings not only reflect a clear violation of the existing regulatory framework governing entry and settlement within the state but also present serious concerns over the unchecked influx of undocumented individuals, the ASU stated in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner following the drive.
Such developments risk and undermine the demographic integrity, cultural identity, and security of the local population, which must not be taken lightly, it added.
In this connection, the ASU appealed to the DC Kohima to strengthen the mechanism of ILP enforcement through routine inspection and vigilant monitoring at all critical points of entry and transit within the district.
As per the Union, the defaulters were handed over to the office of the DC for necessary action, with an urgent request for “immediate and necessary measures” and re-examining such individuals in accordance with the law.
It also assured its continued commitment and support to work in cooperation with the district administration in addressing such pressing issues in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the ASU informed that the drive was conducted after receiving numerous complaints concerning violations of the existing ILP mechanism.
It also pointed out that during a similar exercise held on September 11, 2024, eight persons were found without the required ILP and were reported to the district administration, seeking stringent measures to curtail the influx.
However, the lethargic responses from the concerned authorities have compelled the Union to launch the vigil exercise from time to time, it added.
The ASU also appealed to the Naga public to remain vigilant and to acknowledge that safeguarding the land is a shared and enduring responsibility.
It also urged landowners to be cautious while renting out their apartments and commercial complexes to ensure that no one resides without valid documentation, especially under the provision of the ILP.
The ASU further called upon the district administration and law enforcement agencies to strengthen ILP implementation through regular monitoring and strict enforcement.
The ILP remains a vital safeguard for the indigenous population and must be upheld diligently, added the statement issued by ASU President Diezevisie Nakhro and General Secretary Rajuselie Chücha.
Conveying its firm commitment to the issue, the Union also encouraged the public to report any undocumented individuals to the concerned authorities or the office of the Union.
It further informed that similar drives will be carried out across all Angami-inhabited areas in collaboration with the district administration from time to time as part of its ongoing effort to preserve and protect the interests of the indigenous community.
