NSF panel consults Bhojpuri, Bihari groups on ILR implementation

Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Bhojpuri Samaj and Bihari Samaj as part of its ongoing stakeholder consultation process on the effective implementation of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in Nagaland.

The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of Hotel Grand Vista in Dimapur on June 27.

The Commission described the interaction as meaningful and productive, saying it received valuable inputs, concerns and recommendations from the two organisations. It said the submissions would form an integral part of its study and help formulate comprehensive recommendations for ensuring a transparent, practical and effective implementation of the ILR in the state.

The ILRC said the consultation process has, from the outset, been guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity and equal opportunity. As the implementation of the ILR has implications for different sections of society, the Commission said it had extended official invitations to all concerned stakeholders and provided them with a fair opportunity to participate in the exercise.

Reiterating the NSF's position, the Commission said the Nagas are the only indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland and that the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation is intended to safeguard the historical, political, demographic, economic and cultural rights of the indigenous Naga people under the existing constitutional and legal framework.

The Commission, however, acknowledged that some non-Naga organisations may have been unable to attend the consultations held so far due to unavoidable circumstances.

It said such organisations are encouraged to approach the NSF office at the earliest so that appropriate consultations can be arranged as part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement process.

The Commission also said stakeholder organisations have a corresponding responsibility to participate constructively on issues of public importance. Having extended equal opportunities to all concerned parties, it said meaningful dialogue depends on active participation and that its recommendations would be formulated on the basis of consultations and submissions received from participating stakeholders.

The ILRC expressed appreciation to the representatives of the Bhojpuri Samaj and Bihari Samaj for their participation and contributions, and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting an objective, credible and inclusive consultative process aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the indigenous Naga people.