Government firm on Inner Line Permit implementation — DC Dimapur

Published on May 20, 2025

Community leaders briefed on imminent ILP enforcement in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts

Dr. Tinojongshi Chang briefing the media after a consultative meeting on online implementation of ILP system, on Tuesday. (EM Images)

DIMAPUR — A consultative meeting on the proposed online implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts was held on Tuesday at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Dimapur.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang and attended by representatives from various community and social organisations, including Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj, Agarwal Samaj, Muslim Council Dimapur, Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, Sikh Samaj, Dimapur Gorkha Union, Marwari Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Telugu Samaj, and Utkal (Oriya) Samaj.
Speaking to media after the meeting, the DC described the discussion as “fruitful” and confirmed that the state government, in a cabinet meeting held on May 14, reiterated its decision to implement the ILP in the three districts. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to inform community leaders of the imminent enforcement and to address any lingering concerns.
He clarified that although a previous notification on ILP enforcement had been kept in abeyance due to various challenges, the process will now proceed without delay. This time it will be executed, no matter what, he said.
Dr. Chang urged community members, especially those falling under Category III, to begin preparing the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth rollout once the official notification is issued.

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When asked about the timeline, the DC stated that a formal government notification will precede the start of implementation. Once issued, ILP-related documents such as Smart Cards and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) will be distributed accordingly.
He noted that individuals who do not currently possess PRCs and fall under exempted categories—such as non-Naga indigenous residents—remain a pending issue. The administration plans to take up the matter with the state government to explore the issuance of PRCs or a suitable certificate for these residents.
The ILP system, according to the DC, will be entirely online in line with government directives, and applicants will be required to submit their forms digitally.

Addressing concerns regarding porous borders in Dimapur, he acknowledged the logistical challenges but assured that the government has issued instructions for coordinated, multi-departmental enforcement.
On the matter of exemption categories, he explained that residents living in the state prior to 1963 will be issued Smart Cards, while residents who settled between 1963 and November 1979 will be eligible for PRCs.
Further details on application procedures and eligibility will be announced in the government’s official notification.