KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 9 (MExN): The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has welcomed the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur revising Inner Line Pass (ILP) guidelines across Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts.
In a statement, the ILRC commended the district administration for streamlining ILP protocols through categorisation of applicants, transparent fee structures and enforcement provisions.
At the same time, the Commission stressed that “the very essence of the Inner Line mechanism lies in maintaining stringent documentation for all non-indigenous individuals entering or residing in Nagaland.” It reiterated that no waiver of ILP fee, whether long-term or short-term, should be granted under any circumstances, adding that even short-term visitors must obtain and carry a valid ILP.
Citing practices in Mizoram, the ILRC noted that while short-term passes of up to seven days may be issued without a guarantor, fees are still collected and official documents issued. “Under no conditions should any category of entrant be exempted from possessing an ILP with necessary fee exaction,” it said.
The Commission also urged district administrators and government offices to revert to the original nomenclature “Inner Line Pass” (ILP) instead of “Inner Line Permit,” stating that the term reflected the legal and historical accuracy rooted in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
Reaffirming its commitment to constructive collaboration with the State government and district authorities, the ILRC said strict enforcement of the Inner Line system, strengthened by Article 371(A), was necessary to safeguard the land, identity and heritage of the Naga people.
