Naga Students’ Federation calls for action on illegal immigration, backdoor appointments

DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has submitted a representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, outlining pressing issues of illegal immigration and the continued issue of ‘backdoor appointments’ within the state government.

Calling for immediate and effective intervention, the NSF highlighted the urgency of these issues and its potential impact on Nagaland’s future.

On ILP regime in Dimapur

In the representation, the NSF said that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system — in existence for 150 years– has been instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling the entry of illegal immigrants. However, over the past decades, successive governments have struggled to execute the ILP diligently, leading to a surge in illicit activities that endanger Nagaland’s unique identity, culture and demography.

Of particular concern, it asserted, was the exclusion of erstwhile Dimapur district — which encompassed the present-day districts of Chümoukedima and Niuland — from the ILP regime, as stipulated by suspension order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023, creating “a perilous haven for illegal immigrants”.

“Dimapur, as a melting pot overrun by individuals with questionable identities, poses a grave threat not only to Nagaland but also to the North Eastern hills,” read the representation.

In this context, the NSF requested the chief minister’s immediate intervention and revocation of 2023 suspension by bringing Dimapur district (erstwhile) under the ILP regime.

It also sought the establishment of ILP monitoring cells at Dimapur Railway Station, Dimapur Airport, and all entry and exit points to Nagaland state.

Calling for stringent implementation of ILP regime in all district headquarters, the student body also suggested the launch of extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland and beyond, about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the state.

On ‘backdoor appointments’

Further, the NSF commended the establishment of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) for the recruitment of Grade III posts as a positive step towards meritocracy and transparency.

“However, despite this commendable initiative, there remains a prevalent issue of backdoor appointments within various government departments,” it alleged.

Citing findings from its own RTI campaign, the NSF claimed to have uncovered numerous discrepancies that suggest continuation of backdoor appointments, undermining the integrity of the administrative system.

In this regard, it urged the chief minister to take decisive action to eliminate these backdoor appointments, instituting stringent measures to ensure compliance with established recruitment protocols and reinforce the NSSB’s efforts to ensure justice and transparency, it said.

The NSF expressed confidence in the chief minister’s leadership to address these critical concerns, stating that his intervention would not only safeguard the interests of the people of Nagaland but also ensure a brighter and more secure future for the next generations.

“As custodians of the interests of the Naga students and the broader community, we seek your immediate and effective intervention in the following matters that require urgent attention and action,” it added.

Meanwhile, the CM took to X to share about the meeting with NSF executives.

“Happy to meet the 2023-2025 Office Bearers of Naga Students’ Federation, the largest students representative body of the Naga people. I laud the Federation for their dedication and playing a significant role towards the aspirations of the youth. Best wishes for a successful tenure,” he wrote.