Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has proposed immediate establishment of a separate and independent Inner Line Permit (ILP) Commission dedicated to enforcing a comprehensive and robust system to monitor and manage entries into Nagaland.
Stating that such a commission should be tasked with reviewing, refining, and strictly implementing ILP protocols with all necessary modalities in place, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung in a representation to the chief secretary further recommend that the process of establishing this commission be completed within a six-month timeframe in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a collaborative and sustainable approach.
They said the ILP Commission should serve as a specialised body with a singular focus, working in coordination with local and regional authorities to address the issue at its core. It should also facilitate greater community involvement in monitoring and reporting, providing the commission with timely insights to enhance its operational effectiveness.
They expressed confidence that the proposed commission would enforce ILP regulations stringently by ensuring strict compliance with ILP protocols in every district, with regular enforcement to prevent unauthorised entry.
They said the commission would also empower village councils by encouraging them to withhold permanent residential certificates (PRC) and other legal documents from illegal immigrants to prevent unauthorised adoption into local communities.
They claimed that this would enhance community vigilance and collaboration by promoting community awareness to encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity, in collaboration with law enforcement.
Appreciating the state government for covering Diamapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts under the purview of ILP, they however pointed out the continued unabated inflow of illegal immigrants into Naga homeland. They maintained that this relentless influx threatened not only the unique identity and culture of the Nagas, but also posed risks to the demographic balance and regional security.
They claimed that ILP, a regulatory framework with over 150 years of legacy, was established to control and manage entry into the state, primarily to safeguard the interests, cultural heritage, and security of indigenous communities.
Acknowledging that it had played an important role in regulating tourist flow and entry into the region, they however noted that recent years had witnessed a significant lapse in its strict implementation.
According to them, the influx of illegal immigrants had strained the social fabric of the society and raised questions about the future safety, security, and cohesion of our communities.
They emphasised that the situation demanded decisive action that transcended routine administrative measures, recognising the urgency and magnitude of the threat posed.
Stressing that the establishment of an independent ILP Commission was not just timely but essential to preserving the identity, security, and integrity of the homeland, the NSF leaders said they looked forward to the chief secretary’s prompt and favourable consideration of their representation.