DIMAPUR — The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for stricter enforcement of the Inner Line Pass (ILP) system across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, opposing any waiver of fees for applicants.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ILRC said the “very essence” of the ILP mechanism lies in maintaining strict documentation for all non-indigenous individuals entering or residing in Nagaland. It stressed that under no circumstances should long-term or short-term visitors be exempted from paying ILP fees, adding that every entrant must obtain and carry valid documents.

Citing practices in Mizoram, where short-term passes are issued without a guarantor but still require payment of fees and official documentation, the ILRC urged Nagaland to adopt a uniform approach.

“Under no conditions should any category of entrant be exempted from possessing an ILP with necessary fee exaction, as this undermines enforcement reliability,” it stated.

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We heartily appreciate the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur in initiating these reforms. Such administrative diligence—particularly in categorising applicants and clarifying renewal procedures—enhances transparency, strengthens accountability, and better protects the rights of indigenous citizens.

The federation further urged all district administrations and government offices to revert to the original terminology “Inner Line Pass,” as used in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, instead of the commonly used “Inner Line Permit.”

Meanwhile, the ILRC commended the district administration for streamlining ILP procedures through clearer categorisation of applicants, transparent fee structures, and stronger enforcement provisions.

Reaffirming its commitment to work with the state government and district authorities, the ILRC said the Inner Line system, strengthened by Article 371(A), must be uniformly enforced to safeguard the land, identity, and heritage of the Naga people, while adapting resiliently to contemporary challenges.