Naga Council Dimapur submits suggestions to strengthen ILP enforcement in Dimapur

• DIMAPUR — The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has submitted a set of suggestions to the Government of Nagaland to help strengthen the enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Dimapur.
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• In a representation addressed to the home commissioner, submitted through the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, the council acknowledged the state government’s “commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the ILP regulations.”
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• However, it maintained that successful ILP implementation must be a continuous and evolving process, rather than a one-time administrative measure.
• “It must be pursued with sensitivity and should not stray from the principles of coexistence and human dignity. The process must take into account the ground realities and socio-economic conditions of the local population.
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• “Particular attention should be given to the needs and challenges of the common people, who will be the most directly impacted,” it asserted.

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• Accordingly, the NCD suggested the creation of an accurate and publicly accessible record of indigenous individuals and families, particularly those who settled in Nagaland before December 1, 1963.
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• “Similarly, clear classifications for Category II and Category III residents should also be established. Once these categories are properly documented, it will help eliminate confusion for current and future generations,” it stated. The council proposed involving local communities in verifying and identifying individuals eligible for ILP issuance.
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• According to the NCD, identifying and verifying illegal immigrants remains one of the most pressing challenges in Nagaland. It recommended the development of a systematic and transparent verification and deportation mechanism to address the influx of undocumented individuals, especially in border and plain areas like Dimapur.
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• Another suggestion was to facilitate both offline and online registration.
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• Maintaining that the purpose of ILP should not be revenue generation, the council suggested that registration fees be kept minimal and affordable. “A low and accessible fee will help in sensitising visitors about the importance and legal necessity of obtaining the ILP, thereby encouraging wider compliance with the system,” it added.
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• The NCD urged the government to identify and develop strategic locations—especially in high-entry areas like Dimapur—for setting up ILP registration offices and booths. These locations should be adequately manned and, if required, staffed with trained personnel from other government departments, civil society organisations (CSOs), or NGOs to ensure smooth implementation.
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• On the matter of guarantors, the NCD recommended that the state consider proposals from various CSOs and NGOs. “Incorporating inputs from these stakeholders will ensure that the system is more inclusive, transparent, and workable for all parties involved,” it stated.
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• Further, the NCD recommended a well-publicised grace period before strict enforcement of the ILP system begins.
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• “This interim phase would allow already residing citizens adequate time to complete registration and fulfil necessary formalities. It would also enable a smoother transition for the administration and public alike, ensuring the system is effectively integrated without causing undue inconvenience, particularly for citizens who are already residing in the region,” it reasoned.