The Janata Dal (United), or JD (U), state unit has welcomed the cabinet’s decision to implement the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 in the districts of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima.
In a communiqué, the party however objected to the decision to have two cut-off years, viz, December l, 1963 and November 21, 1979 for categories I and II for exemption of ILP. Since non-Nagas residing in Nagaland falling under these two cut-off years had the options to avail Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Domicile Certificate as per the cabinet decision, the party pointed out that this did not actually made sense as all the non-Nagas falling under these two categories could avail the facilities.
Hence, the JD (U) emphasised that there must be only one category of exemption, and suggested that the cut-off date should preferably be the date of the creation of Nagaland (December 1, 1963) so as to avoid confusion in the enforcement process.
Further, the party stressed that granting of ILP on a long-term basis must be carefully examined so that the very spirit of the BEFR, 1873 was not defeated. The JD (U) also suggested constituting an independent governing body in the form of Nagaland Inner Line Regulation Commission (NILRC) having both legislative and executive power on the issue of ILP. The party also called for a separate legislation on adoption, distinguishing Nagas by blood and by adoption.