Amidst rich culture and heritage, Nagaland is recognised for its hospitality. Irrespective of boundaries, religion or region, Nagaland has always been welcoming but with the recent incident that took place on 9th April, 2023 at East Block, Burma Camp, Dimapur, the horror of being an irresponsible host is on display for everyone to ponder. The State of Nagaland stands at par with the rest of the States in India with the literacy rate of 79.55% but unfortunately the ratio of the educated is just contrary.
Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the State Government concerned to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. The State of Nagaland comes under the protected areas. ILP was first introduced in the Naga Hills through the Bengal Eastern Frontiers Regulation by the British Empire on 1st November, 1873. The provision of ILP is also provided under Sub-Section (4) of Section 6B of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
The urgency to strictly implement the provisions of Inner Line Permit is the need of the hour. Taking into consideration the recent Burma Camp incident which was widely circulated through various social media platform, it is apparent that the group of people who forcibly confronted and obstructed the Fire Fighters on duty are not indigenous inhabitants of the State of Nagaland. It is also apparent that this group of offenders are either Migrants or Immigrants. Now, the pertinent question is whether they are legally or illegally residing in the State of Nagaland.
A State is accountable for the security, stability and sustenance of its citizens. The recent unacceptable action of the few towards the State Officials sets a very bad precedent. With the alarming depreciating fertility rate amongst the Naga population, it has become very important for the State as well as the commoners not to underestimate the threat posed by influx of illegal migration and illegal immigration. Immigration is the 21st Century weapon of mass destruction. The demographic threat in Europe and North America due to immigration, as being witnessed by the World, is pacing at an alarming rate and Nagaland as a State under the Union of India, with a mere total area of 16,579 sq.km. and population of 19,80,602 (2011 census of India), is not immune to the issues which have wrecked powerful Nations and shall succumb to same fate if the issue is not addressed with utmost sincerity. Conservative understanding that education, health, roads and employment etc are the basic problem should be done away with. The problem of illegal migration and illegal immigration has far-reaching effects than any other issues combined. An entire race or community can be wiped out if the influx of myriad illegal immigrants is left unchecked.
Law has been enacted and put in place, inter alia, to protect and preserve the religious & social practices and customary law & procedures of the Nagas so it has to be implemented. Article 371(A) of the constitution of India along with the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 has to be adhered effectively for securing the interest of the Nagas and the indigenous inhabitant of the State of Nagaland.
The incident of 9.4.2023 at Burma Camp is just the tip of the ice berg of what lies ahead as the future of the State of Nagaland if the present illegal migrants and illegal immigrants’ issues are not put to rest. The obscurity and fear of the people of Nagaland being wiped out as a race from the face of the Earth is still imminent.
The present case scenario can truly be represented by the classic fable “The Man and the Camel”. On a cold sandy night, the man was taking shelter under the tent with his camel beside the tent. As the night became colder with intense dune, the Camel asked the permission of his master to allow its head in the tent for warmth and safety. The man happily welcomed and the Camel had its head inside the tent. After a while, the Camel again asked the Man to allow its neck inside the tent and likewise, the man obliged again. During the course of night, the request of the Camel continued and subsequently, its front legs was also allowed inside the tent. The tent was standard for one person but under given circumstances, the man pitied on Camel and accommodated its needs. It is when all the need of the Camel was attended by the Man, the Camel further requested to stand for comfort. Considering the journey they share, the Man consents. But when the camel came forward and stood in its comfort, it became evident that the tent is too small for both of them. Thus, the camel stated “There’s no room for both of us here. In our best interest, since you are smaller, it will be better if you stand outside. Then, there will be room enough for me. And with that, the man was forced outside of his tent.”
From the instant classic fable, it would not be a struggle to understand the dire consequences of allowing an infiltration by our act of negligence. Illegal migration and illegal immigration is real so does its aftermath. The only antidote is self awareness supplemented by Good Governance. Acknowledging us as “Dada, Aunty and Malik” by the illegal migrants and illegal immigrants has always worked like a charm and been able to camouflage the real threat that lies within. Our ignorance and negligence has helped developed an entire structure of dependence right under our nose.
Simply put, enforcement of law and order should not be given a step-motherly treatment. Law breakers should be strictly adjudicated in accordance with the law and upon being found guilty, the perpetuator should be dealt with iron hands. Thus, Nagaland is vulnerable under mountains of irregularities while reinforcement hangs. Therefore, every citizen of the State of Nagaland should become a conscientious citizen. It is only then the problem which is now invisible can be stopped from ever happening.
C. Talimoa
President, Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (2018-2021)
President, Mokokchung Law College Students’ Union (2014-2018)
