DNSU officials during a press conference on Saturday. (EM Images)
DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students' Union
(DNSU) has urged Nagaland government to implement an effective and robust
mechanism for enforcing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur.
Failure to enforce ILP would amount to a ‘non-violent
genocide’ of the Naga people's ethnic identity, said Rukewezo Wetsah, the
assistant general secretary of DNSU, during a press conference on Saturday.
He stated that various civil society groups in Dimapur have
repeatedly urged the government to strictly enforce the ILP. In response, on
November 20, 2024, the government issued a notification announcing the
implementation of ILP in Dimapur, with three categories: December 1, 1963, as
the cut-off year for the first category; November 21, 1979, for the second
category; and the third category for those who settled in Dimapur on or after
November 22, 1979.
Various civil society organisations have consistently
appealed to the government to strictly enforce the ILP, but the government has
often cited bureaucratic procedures and lack of manpower as reasons for the
delay, he added.
The general secretary of DNSU, Michael Kath, also stated
that Dimapur has undergone rapid development and become a melting pot of
diverse communities.
Pointing out that Nagaland is a unique state with its own
distinct culture, history, and geopolitical significance, he said this is the
reason why DNSU is strongly advocating for the strict implementation of ILP.
He further stated that implementing the ILP would help
protect the indigenous tribes and their diverse cultures, languages, and
traditions. It would also prevent cultural dilution and encroachment by
regulating the entry of non-locals, thereby safeguarding the identity and
integrity of the state.
When asked about the Marwari Samaj's requests to the
government to allow non-Naga permanent residents of Nagaland to acquire land in
the Dimapur municipal area, DNSU president Hinoto Aomi responded by saying that
the Naga people have shed blood and sacrificed many lives to protect their
identity, land, culture, and traditions, and their ancestors fought for the
protection of Article 371A.
He also questioned the very existence of Marwari Samaj,
pointing out that its foundation is meant to protect their identity, culture,
traditions, and customs.
Aomi stated that if they truly care for the Nagas, they
should support the Naga people. He emphasised that the ILP is meant to identify
illegal immigrants.
He added that the Assam government has set March 25, 1971,
as the cut-off year and emphasised that, even if they couldn't deport all
immigrants, enforcing the law still serves to protect Assam's indigenous
people.
He suggested that if there are no official documents prior
to December 1, 1963, at least some form of documentation should be provided and
authenticated. He added that DNSU will be holding a consultative meeting with
non-locals in Nagaland to help them understand that the ILP is not intended to
target them.
