Chakhesang Students' Union alleges 21 Inner Line Permit defaulters in Phek district were released despite violations, demands strict enforcement of law.
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DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) has alleged that 21 Inner Line Permit (ILP) defaulters identified during a verification drive in Phek district were released by the administration after being issued permits, despite violations under the law.
The union stated that the verification drive was conducted from April 21 to April 30 across its jurisdiction to check the presence of non-locals and curb illegal influx. During the exercise, 481 non-locals were found to possess valid ILPs, while 21 were identified as defaulters.
According to the CSU, 12 defaulters were detected in Phek under contractor Sunil Debnath, seven in Chizami under contractor Mhao Humtsoe, and two in Pfutsero under contractor Keviuya John Bosco Sote.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the union said it filed complaints seeking registration of FIRs against the 21 individuals at the respective police stations under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873, and demanded legal action.
However, it alleged that the individuals were “immediately released” after being reported, with the administration issuing ILPs on the grounds that the offence was non-cognisable and not subject to FIR.
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The CSU contested this interpretation, stating that violation of ILP provisions constitutes a cognisable offence and that regular cases should be registered.
Citing provisions of the BEFR Act, 1873, the union noted that any person entering or remaining within the Inner Line without a valid pass is liable for imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to INR 1000, or both.
The CSU further demanded that ILP defaulters should not be dealt with administratively but be produced before the competent court through due process of law.
It also called for the appointment of separate Officers-in-Charge in every police station to ensure proper registration and initiation of ILP violation cases.
The union pointed out that the penalty prescribed under the BEFR Act is outdated, stating that the fine of INR 1000 is inadequate in present times and fails to deter violations more than 150 years after the law was enacted. “In 2026, over 150 years since its enactment, such a negligible penalty fails to deter defaulters or be taken seriously,” it added.
The CSU stated that it will continue to conduct ILP verification drives at regular intervals and directed its affiliated units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant to ensure that all non-locals possess valid ILPs.