Nobody should oppose Inner Line Permit implementation in Nagaland, says WC, NNPGs

Dimapur, March 4 (EMN): The Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs) on Wednesday warned that any opposition, either in words or action, in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) anywhere in Nagaland will be “taken as an affront to Naga people's aspiration and their long political struggle”.

The group, in a press release, accused illegal immigrants of organising the protest at “Nagaland gate” earlier this month, stating that they would investigate into the matter and identify the “ringleaders sitting in Dimapur and surrounding areas who are instigating their colleagues at Lahorijan area to oppose implementation of Inner Line Permit in our land”. It added that they would not hesitate to shut down the business outlets of those found guilty.

“The viral video clips of 1st March 2020 at Nagaland gate is a grim reminder that indigenous people in the NE are being pushed to the corner and therefore appropriate response is required,” the press release read, adding that blocking Nagaland-registered vehicles from going towards Assam over Inner Line Permit implementation was “not a positive sign”.

Stating that the Nagas, Dhimasas, Karbis, Kacharis and Ahoms have been co-existing for centuries with mutual respect, the group said any issue between the Nagas and Ahoms could be resolved amicably any day. However, it said, this friendship has been put to test in the recent times following the unabated influx of illegal immigrants into the region and called for “need to strengthen age-old bond among indigenous peoples of NE”.

The group also insisted that the Nagaland and Assam governments work together to stop the influx of illegal immigrants.