DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 20 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has written to the Nagaland Chief Secretary urging urgent measures for the enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur district and beyond.
The NSF, in its representation, reminded that the ILP, which has been an integral part of the Naga peoples’ history for the past 150 years, has been instrumental in regulating the flow of tourists and preventing the influx of illegal immigrants. However, it noted that the challenges and lapses in the diligent execution of the ILP over the past six decades. These oversights have allowed illicit activities to flourish, posing a significant threat to the indigenous population and unique identity and culture, it said.
The NSF said it has been actively involved in the verification of ILP holders in various districts for several years. Our consistent efforts have revealed the inadequate enforcement of the ILP in the state, leading to the alarming growth of illegal immigrants, which now stands as the most substantial demographic threat to our indigenous population, the federation stated.
In particular, it said that the implementation of the ILP regime in Dimapur, coupled with the lack of stringent enforcement of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BERF) 1873 has created a “fertile ground for illegal immigrants.” The presence of a substantial population with questionable identities in Dimapur is undeniable, as they lack proper identification documents, it said.
It said that the consequences of allowing Dimapur to be overrun by individuals with questionable identities are dire. “This situation poses a severe threat not only to Dimapur but also to the rest of Nagaland and the North Eastern hills. The very survival of our identity and culture is at stake, which could ultimately lead to societal destruction,” it said. Given Nagaland's limited size and population, the NSF said “we are ill-equipped to handle such a formidable threat, potentially turning our own people into refugees in our homeland.”
The NSF called for establishment of ILP Cell at Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport and immediate establishment of ILP Cells at Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport. It also recommended establishment of ILP monitoring cells at all entry and exit points to ensure a foolproof mechanism.
Further, the NSF called for stringent Implementation of ILP system in all district headquarters. “It is crucial to ensure the strict enforcement of the mechanism, based on our previous propositions and sincere representations,” it said.
It also urged improvement of legal process/action for ILP defaulters. It is vital to make the consequences for violating the ILP system more stringent, dissuading potential offenders, the NSF said.
Meanwhile, the NSF informed that its federating units have been directed to actively monitor and verify any matters related to this issue. “The federation is committed to conducting checks and verifications at any time, and in the event that defaulters are detected, immediate action will be taken,” it said.
