Naga Students’ Federation panel clarifies Nepalis and Gorkhas not exempt from ILP

DIMAPUR — The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a clarification stating that Nepali/Gorkha citizens—whether Indian nationals or foreign nationals—are not exempt from the Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirement in Nagaland, countering what it described as a long-standing but incorrect public assumption.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ILRC maintained that the law does not support the assumption that Nepalis/Gorkhas can enter or reside in Nagaland without an ILP—stressing that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 mandates an ILP for all non-natives within ILP-notified areas.

The only exemption, it stated, applies to non-indigenous persons who were already settled in the erstwhile Naga Hills prior to December 1963, when Nagaland attained statehood.

The commission pointed out that the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950, is often misinterpreted as offering ILP exemption to Nepali citizens.

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It clarified that while the treaty grants certain movement and residency privileges, these remain subject to the domestic laws of India. “Protective legislations such as the BEFR, Article 371(A) and constitutional safeguards for indigenous communities remain fully applicable,” it stated, adding that the treaty does not override ILP provisions in Nagaland.

The ILRC further stressed that the ILP system regulates entry into protected tribal areas and is not linked to citizenship, meaning even Nepalis/Gorkhas who hold Indian citizenship must obtain an ILP unless they fall under the pre-1963 settled category.

Nepali nationals, being foreign citizens, are also subject to immigration laws in addition to ILP rules, it added.

Urging the public and stakeholders to desist from spreading misinformation, the commission reiterated that the legal position is clear: Nepali/Gorkha citizens are not automatically exempt from ILP in the state.

The commission also announced that it will conduct surprise checking drives “at any time and at any place” to ensure proper enforcement and compliance with ILP regulations.