Naga Students’ Federation condemns Nagaland government’s inaction on ILP

DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has voiced concern over the state government’s failure to revoke a 2023 order suspending the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the erstwhile Dimapur district, despite the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum.

The order, issued on June 2, 2023, directly impacts the interests and cultural integrity of the Naga people, the NSF said in a press release on Wednesday.

Dimapur district has since been bifurcated into three districts — Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland.

Earlier on February 28, the student body had submitted a representation to the state Chief Secretary, emphasising the urgent need for immediate action to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population and uphold the cultural fabric of the Naga homeland.

“Despite these pleas, the state government has failed to take decisive measures to address our demands,” the NSF said.

It went on to reiterate the crucial importance of stringent ILP enforcement across the state and called for the establishment of monitoring cells at vital entry points such as Dimapur railway station, Dimapur airport and all entry/exit points to Nagaland. Additionally, robust ILP enforcement in all district headquarters was emphasised to protect the rights of indigenous inhabitants.

These demands, the NSF asserted, are not mere requests but a resolute call to safeguard the essence of the Naga homeland. The ILP system serves as a vital safeguard for indigenous inhabitants, necessitating a government committed to honesty, transparency and accountability, it maintained.

With the expiration of the 30-day deadline, the NSF has called upon all its federating units to remain vigilant and be prepared for any necessary course of action in response to the state government’s inaction.

Furthermore, the federation has appealed to all stakeholders and the Naga public in general to render their support and co-operation in securing a definite future for the Naga people.

Reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of the Naga people and ensuring the preservation of the Naga homeland’s integrity, the student body strongly condemned the state government’s failure to address these crucial issues and urged for immediate action to rectify the situation.