DIMAPUR — The sudden enforcement of the Inner
Line Permit (ILP) regime in Dimapur on Wednesday triggered confusion and
concern among residents, with several individuals detained for not possessing
valid permits.
The clampdown followed a notification issued by Dimapur
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang on May 27, which implemented the ILP
system in Dimapur district with immediate effect. The move was in compliance
with a September 20, 2024, directive from the state Home Department’s Political
Branch.
However, many residents expressed dismay at the abruptness
of the decision, stating that they were not given adequate time to comply. “The
notification was issued on May 27, and we were expected to obtain the ILP by
May 28—giving us less than 24 hours to comply,” said one resident, a teacher
from Kevijau Colony, who was among those detained.
The teacher, who was on the way to Clock Tower for a tuition
session, told Eastern Mirror that he was detained at Sub-Urban Police Station
around 3.30 pm and held there until after 6.25 pm. More than 60 people of
various ages were detained. Some had old ILPs and were released with
instructions to renew the permit, while those who had valid documents or fell
under the exempted category were released after verification.
Those without valid permits were informed that the
detentions were carried out under instructions from higher-ups. The teacher
added that at around 5.30 pm, a bus arrived to transport the detainees to the
DC office, but they were later told to remain at the police station. Officials,
including a Dobashi, reportedly arrived later and held discussions with the
police before the detainees were released and granted a one-week window to
obtain ILPs.
The teacher later shared his experience on social media,
criticising the lack of public awareness and short notice. “This kind of abrupt
implementation, without enough time or proper public communication, is not only
unjust but extremely distressing for innocent people,” he wrote.
Attempts to obtain official data on the number of ILP
defaulters detained on the first day of enforcement from the police department
were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, residents also pointed out that the newly
notified ILP fee structure does not list a category for homemakers or
housewives, leaving many confused about which category they should apply under.
The official notification outlines specific provisions for students, teachers,
traders, labourers, priests, consultants, and business partners, etc., but
makes no mention of applicants who are neither employed nor studying.
Under the revised ILP regime, residents who settled in
Dimapur after November 22, 1979, are required to obtain valid ILPs, while those
settled before that date are exempt upon verification of appropriate documents.
The notification also mandates that ILP applications be submitted online, with
varying requirements and fees depending on the applicant’s category.
The ILP, a colonial-era regulation, restricts entry and
movement of non-indigenous persons in select northeastern states, including
Nagaland. While Dimapur had long remained outside the ILP’s purview, recent
decisions have brought it under the same legal framework as other districts.
