NSF calls for stringent enforcement of ILP system in Nagaland

Over 637 ILP defaulters detected in two days

DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the laxity in enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, following a two-day verification drive at Patkai Bridge, Chümoukedima.

The aim was to collect data on the inflow of illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters, and the results were alarming as 637 defaulters were detected and prevented from entering the ILP zone, the student body said, noting that alarming influx of illegal immigrants

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, NSF President, Medovi Rhi acknowledged that the student body is “not the right agency” to check the implementation of the ILP system. However, as a pressure group, the NSF has to make its own assessments before pressuring the government.

Rhi maintained that the government had failed on its part as there were no proper cells for issuing the permits and even as the district administration is looking after the existing cells, there is no proper implementation.

“We are trying to create awareness because the government has failed,” the president said, adding that the intention is not to harass anyone, but to check for illegal immigrants.

The defaulters were asked to go back and get ILP to make their entry, he added.

Rhi also said that the student body had reminded the Chief Secretary of Nagaland to set up more ILP counters in Dimapur, especially at the railway stations, airport and entry points. However, even after a lapse of four months, there has been no sign of activity.

‘Demographic threat to indigenous population’

Following the verification drive, the NSF submitted a representation to the chief secretary, seeking immediate revocation of the June 2, 2023 order that suspended the ILP system in erstwhile Dimapur district.

It said that even with the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on the implementation of ILP in the areas of Dimapur (erstwhile) district, the Committee has failed to submit its report within the stipulated three months, as per the notification in No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023.

Among others, the student body asserted that insufficient implementation of the ILP system has led to “an alarming influx of illegal immigrants to emerge as the most significant demographic threat to our indigenous population.”

“The ILP is not merely a document; it is a safeguard for the interests of our indigenous inhabitants. Yet, it requires not just a document but a resolute government, led by honest leaders, supported by an honest bureaucracy, and backed by an honest public. The failure to achieve this synergy has allowed the ILP enforcement to falter and illicit activities to thrive,” read the representation.

The student body went on to state that the exclusion of Dimapur district, which has not been bifurcated into three districts– Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland–  has created 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. Our identity, culture, and very survival are at stake, with the potential for societal destruction looming large. The limited size and population of the Naga homeland make it ill-equipped to handle such an overwhelming threat, risking the transformation of our people into refugees in our homeland,” it emphasised.

In this context, the NSF demanded that the government revoke the suspension order issued on June 2, 2023 within 30 days and also establish ILP Monitoring Cells at Dimapur Railway station, Dimapur Airport, and all entry/exit points to Nagaland state to ensure effective enforcement and prevent illegal entries.

It also asked the government to effectively implement the ILP regime in all district headquarters comprehensively and without delay, and improve the legal process and take decisive action against ILP defaulters to deter future violations and strengthen the ILP enforcement framework.

Stating that these demands are “not just a plea but a fervent call to protect our identity, culture, and the very essence of the Naga homeland,” the NSF further urged the government to launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the state.