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.
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.”
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.
“Particular attention should be given to the needs and
challenges of the common people, who will be the most directly impacted,” it
asserted.
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.
“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.
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.
Another suggestion was to facilitate both offline and online
registration.
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.
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.
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.
Further, the NCD recommended a well-publicised grace period
before strict enforcement of the ILP system begins.
“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.
