DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has called on Nagaland government to establish a district task force (DTF) incorporating CSOs from each respective district to support the Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the union acknowledged the challenges posed by lack of manpower and resources for ILP enforcement in Dimapur and urged the government to include CSOs in the process.
“These organisations are ready and willing to assist. We, therefore, appeal to the GON to establish a district task force that incorporates CSOs from each respective district to support the ILP enforcement. As an indigenous population, we still live in uncertainty for our future because we risk being controlled by outsiders.
“For which we urge that any act or issue affecting the indigenous people be discussed with us directly, rather than bowing to the pressure of any external agencies. The DNSU calls on the GON to establish a dedicated committee or commission to handle the ILP implementation, as there is growing concern that proper consultations with experts, NGOs, and relevant bodies were bypassed. This lack of transparency risks opening the door to manipulation against the Naga people,” the statement read.
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While the ILP is meant to protect the indigenous Naga population, the DNSU felt that the current approach appears to focus more on safeguarding outsiders.
“This deviation from the core purpose of the ILP is unacceptable. Successive political parties have included ILP implementation in their election manifestos, only for these promises to be forgotten once they gain power,” it stated.
The DNSU will not allow any political organisation, leader, or civil society organisation to manipulate or undermine the ILP for vested interests, it added, warning that it is prepared to launch a public campaign to oppose and expose such attempts.
“We have seen similar efforts before when non-Naga leaders met with central leaders in Delhi, which contributed to delays or the shelving of the ILP issue. The Naga people, known for our hospitality, are also fiercely protective of our ethnic identity.
“We will react strongly to anything perceived as a threat to our existence. The DNSU reminds the Government of India (GOI) that ignoring such critical matters only deepens the mistrust between the Nagas and the central government. The protections provided under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, introduced in 1962, were not merely symbolic,” it asserted.
At the same time, the union appreciated Nagaland government for implementing the ILP regime in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts. “However, we are concerned that a robust system for enforcing/implementing and checking of the ILP is yet to be put in place.
“The DNSU appeals to the GON to exhibit transparency in decisions regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation. The GON issued a notice concerning the ILP, but it failed to provide specific dates or deadlines for outsiders to apply, leaving the public unclear on the process for applications as there are too many suspected illegal immigrants freely roaming around without ILP in and around Dimapur. We feel that the online application alone is not enough and it should be strongly enforced in paper,” it stated.