The Lotha Students' Union urges the Wokha administration to enforce stricter ILP verification, improve road safety, and curb child labour.
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DIMAPUR — The Lotha Students' Union (LSU) has submitted a formal representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha demanding stricter implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the district, while also raising concerns regarding government office attendance, public safety, and underage labour.
The representation highlighted that temporary ILPs are reportedly being issued within the Wokha district jurisdiction after non-Nagas have already entered the state.
The union stated that the ILP system, established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, was instituted to regulate and verify the entry of non-Nagas into protected tribal areas prior to their arrival. It argued that allowing individuals to obtain permits after entry compromises the preventive purpose of the system.
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The LSU appealed to the administration to strengthen verification at all entry points and check gates, strictly regulate the issuance of temporary ILP within district jurisdiction, and ensure that entry into the state is permitted only after proper ILP verification.
The union also appealed for strengthened monitoring and documentation mechanisms for non-Nagas and urged the authority to take necessary corrective measures to preserve the integrity and intent of the ILP system.
Inspects hospital, government offices
Separately, the union issued a press statement following a series of inspections of government institutions across Wokha district to assess institutional discipline and service delivery.
During a visit to the Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMH) in Wokha, the union interacted with the administration, doctors, and medical staff. While appreciating their service under challenging conditions, the LSU conveyed concern over irregular attendance and deviations from working hours by certain personnel.
The union documented staff grievances, including acute manpower shortages and infrastructural constraints, to represent them before the appropriate authorities.
Inspections of other government offices revealed similar lapses in adherence to official timings. The LSU reminded government servants of their duty to serve the public with punctuality and diligence, warning that dereliction of duty and absenteeism would not be condoned.
The union also raised urgent issues regarding designated parking areas within the main town and along the National Highway-2. It expressed concern over road safety for students during peak hours, citing heavy traffic, a lack of speed regulation, and the absence of pedestrian crossings near educational institutions.
The LSU urged the administration to deploy traffic personnel and initiate speed restrictions in school zones.
Furthermore, taking cognisance of underage labour within business establishments, the LSU warned business owners against employing anyone under 18 years of age, stating that violators would be reported to competent authorities under relevant labour laws.