AKM detects major lapses in ILP system

7 defaulters handed over to authority for deportation

MOKOKCHUNG — The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has detected major lapses in the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and caught seven ILP defaulters during a surprise inspection conducted on July 24.

The drive to monitor ILP compliance in Mokokchung began in 2007 under the ‘Survival Mokokchung’ (SM), an initiative of AKM aimed at tracking and deporting illegal immigrants from within the district.

The SM involved data collection on illegal immigrants residing in the district with surveys conducted every six months. It served as an eye opener about the impending danger of influx of illegal immigrants continuing their brisk business and trade in the district.

Briefing media persons at its office on July 24, AKM members informed that seven individuals were detected without ILP, while over 100 others were found carrying expired ILP documents during the surprise inspection. The officials also disclosed that they have identified some individuals who have applied for ILP but not received official confirmation.

It was learned that during the AKM’s inspection, the ILP nodal office of the district was not in the station as he was away attending a training programme in Kohima.

On lapses detected, AKM president Lanutoshi Aier alleged that the district administration has been issuing ILP even without valid documents.

“We urge the administration to thoroughly verify all documents before issuing ILPs,” Aier said.

He also urged the local citizens to ensure that proper procedures are followed and ILP obtained before bringing migrant workers and labourers in the district. Aier further encouraged community members to report presence of any illegal immigrant to the administration and police and sought local cooperation to address the issue.

Pointing out that many migrant labourers are brought in by ‘influential people,’ he urged the guarantors to ensure that temporary permits are renewed on time after their expiry.

“We are not against any community, we welcome everyone to the district, but anyone who wants to enter should acquire ILP as the act dictates. ILP can be availed at check posts or online portal,” he said. 

He also raised concerns over the role of ‘brokers’ in availing ILP which has turned the ILP process into a shady business, one that would ruin the reputation of the district, if not checked. 

Also read: Konyak Students’ Union asks immigrants without ILP to leave Mon

According to the AKM members, those intermediaries or brokers reportedly charge INR 500 for renewal of an ILP.

“We are actively trying to track down these brokers…Approximately three brokers including locals have been identified,” Aier disclosed.

Aier confirmed that the brokers would be summoned and the case be handed over to the ILP branch for investigation with findings to be forwarded to the administration and police for further course of action.

Meanwhile, he clarified that the seven ILP defaulters were detained due to incomplete or questionable documents. He added that the matter has been referred to the police and administration for immediate deportation.

AKM vice president, Onenpong, urged the people of Nagaland to take the issue of illegal immigrants seriously and support the integrity of the Nagas for future generations.

He further called upon the administration and concerned departments to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the ILP process across the state.