NSF panel flags weak ILP enforcement, influx concerns in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) under the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed concern over weak enforcement of the Inner Line Pass (ILP) system in Nagaland and the growing influx of non-locals into Dimapur, calling for stronger coordination among civil bodies to safeguard indigenous Naga rights.

The concern was raised during a consultative meeting held at the Naga Council Dimapur Hall on Monday, which brought together representatives from the Naga Council Dimapur, GB’s Union (Sardar) Dimapur, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Forum and the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union.

Addressing the gathering, NSF President Mteisuding said the inner line regulation remains one of the federation’s top priorities. He maintained that the ILRC was formed to strengthen the enforcement of the inner line regulation system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous Naga people.

ILRC member Kelhouniezo Yhome stressed the importance of upholding Naga identity, culture and integrity, and recalled that as early as 1975, the federation had recommended that all state quotas and benefits be reserved exclusively for indigenous Nagas.

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Identifying Dimapur as a key area of concern due to the high influx of outsiders, he urged local organisations such as the NCD and GB’s Union to remain vigilant.

He also highlighted two major challenges under the ILP system — the unchecked entry of illegal migrants and the lack of public awareness — and reminded that Article 371(A) of the Constitution prohibits non-Nagas from owning land in the state, according to an update.

Speaking on similar lines, Hukavi T Yeputhomi observed that while the BEFR, 1873, remains a vital safeguard for the Naga people, its implementation has been weakened by low awareness and the absence of a clearly demarcated boundary between Nagaland and Assam. He urged the government and local authorities to expedite boundary demarcation and strengthen enforcement mechanisms, particularly in border areas.

During the open discussion, participants called for empowering local councils and GBs for effective ILP enforcement in Dimapur, regulating ILP holders residing within the district, reclaiming local economic control, creating a centralised indigenous certificate database, and improving the ILP online portal for better management and transparency.

The meeting concluded with a collective agreement to work in closer coordination with government departments and civil society organisations to ensure effective and transparent implementation of the Inner Line Regulation and to protect Naga identity, land and heritage under the safeguards of the BEFR, 1873, and Article 371(A) of the Constitution.