The Dimapur Naga Students\u2019 Union (DNSU) has once again renewed its firm call for the immediate and full implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur, warning that continued non-implementation would amount to what it described as a \u201cnon-violent genocide\u201d of the ethnic identities of the Nagas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a press conference at the union\u2019s office on Saturday, DNSU president Hinoto P. Awomi asserted that enforcing the ILP– alongside a clear and unambiguous cut-off year of December 1, 1963\u2014was critical to protecting the culture, land, and identity of the indigenous Naga people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasized that \u201cif ILP is not implemented, it would be a non-violent genocide of the ethnic identities of the Nagas.\u201d While acknowledging that individuals who settled in Nagaland before the state\u2019s formation should be considered as non-Naga indigenous citizens, Awomi, however, criticized sections of these residents for opposing ILP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ironically, he said it\u2019s not illegal immigrants who are complaining, but some of those who came before statehood are the ones opposing it. Highlighting that the primary objective of the ILP is to identify and regulate illegal immigrants, Hinoto remarked that they should support the stand of the Nagas if they really care for the people. \u201cIf they want to complain and go against the motive of the Nagas, I request them respectfully to leave Nagaland\u201d, he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to a recent request by a representative of the Marwari Samaj seeking permission for non-Nagas to purchase land in Dimapur, Hinoto raised serious objections and questioned the legitimacy and intent behind the appeal. He wondered the request was made in personal capacity or on behalf of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasized that Article 371(A), which was achieved through the sacrifices of the Naga people, was specifically meant to protect indigenous land ownership and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that even the British did not allow other Britishers into Nagaland without an ILP. \u201cWe are talking about outsiders coming into our land and buying off our lands. This is a serious concern\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this regard, Hinoto disclosed that DNSU had formally written to the Marwari Samaj seeking clarification on statements reportedly made by Basu Damani regarding land rights.
Expressing concern over alleged political, businessmen and underground connections misused by certain non-Naga individuals, Hinoto claimed that these individuals were using their influence to intimidate indigenous people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy using our national workers, they are trying to kill the very existence of the Nagas,\u201d he alleged, further adding that DNSU is prepared to take the matter to court if necessary to fight for the rights of the Nagas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked whether DNSU\u2019s push for ILP implementation might contradict the Naga Students\u2019 Federation, which has been actively pursuing the ILP issue, Hinoto womi clarified that the DNSU operates autonomously and is focusing exclusively on the Dimapur region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He expressed confidence that there would be no conflict of interest between the two bodies. DNSU general secretary Michael Kath highlighted the pressing need for ILP in Dimapur, stating that the city\u2014being the commercial gateway of Nagaland\u2014is increasingly vulnerable to unregulated migration, land exploitation, and associated security risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting that ILP was crucial to protect and preserve land and its resources, indigenous culture, and ensuring economic security for indigenous Nagas, he urged the state government to enforce ILP \u201cnot just on paper, but in letter and spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DNSU assistant general secretary Rukewezo Wetsah echoed similar concerns, stating that despite the December 11, 2019 notification for ILP enforcement, actual implementation remains superficial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe ILP is a democratic time bomb affecting the indigenous citizens of Nagaland,\u201d Wetsah warned, adding that the unchecked influx of migrants into Dimapur demands immediate establishment of strict check-post mechanisms at all entry points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stressing that Dimapur serves as the commercial lifeline and main gateway into Nagaland, Rukewezo expressed alarm over the unchecked influx of migrants into the district. He urged the government to act decisively, stating, \u201cIf the government truly cares for the indigenous people of Nagaland, then the time for delay is over. The ILP must be strictly implemented now.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Dimapur Naga Students\u2019 Union (DNSU) has once again renewed its firm call for the immediate and full implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur, warning that continued non-implementation would amount to what it described as a \u201cnon-violent genocide\u201d of the ethnic identities of the Nagas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[679],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-486703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-nagaland-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=486703"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486703\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=486703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=486703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=486703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}