NSF team calls on CM; seeks immediate intervention on ILP, backdoor appointment

A delegation of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) called on state chief minister Neiphiu Rio Tuesday and submitted a representation seeking the chief minister’s “immediate and effective” intervention in the matters that required “urgent attention and action” including influx of illegal immigrants and “backdoor appointment”.

Taking to X, chief minister also expressed happiness over meeting the office bearers of NSF. “I laud the Federation for their dedication & playing a significant role towards the aspirations of the youth. Best wishes for a successful tenure,” Rio said in a post on X.

In the representation, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung stated that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) had been instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling the entry of illegal immigrants.

However, NSF expressed regret that successive governments over the past several decades have struggled to execute the ILP diligently, leading to a surge in illicit activities that endangered unique identity, culture and demography of Nagas.

The federation asserted that the exclusion of Dimapur district (erstwhile) from the ILP regime has “created a perilous haven for illegal immigrants.” It stated that Dimapur “as a melting pot overrun by individuals with questionable identities” posed a grave threat not only to Nagaland but also to the North Eastern hills. Therefore, the federation has requested for the chief minister’s intervene and revoke the suspension order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023, by bringing Dimapur district (erstwhile) under the ILP regime.

NSF also demanded establishment of ILP monitoring cells at Dimapur railway station, Dimapur Airport and all entry/exit points to Nagaland state. Further, it sought stringent implementation of ILP regime in all district headquarters.

Besides, NSF has suggested launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland and beyond about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the state.

On the issue of “backdoor appointment”, the federation stated that despite the state government’s “commendable initiative” of establishing the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) there remained “a prevalent issue of backdoor appointments” within various government departments.
NSF stated that it had through RTI campaign uncovered numerous discrepancies that suggested a continuation of backdoor appointments.

Therefore, NSF urged the chief minister to take decisive action to eliminate those backdoor appointments. It maintained that instituting stringent measures to ensure compliance with established recruitment protocols would not only reinforce the NSSB’s efforts but also the federations’ confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and transparency.