Post Assam Assembly elections, Dimapur saw strict Inner Line Permit checks as returnees faced fines and verification at key entry points across the district.
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DIMAPUR — Following the conclusion of Assam Assembly elections on April 9, a large number of Assam-origin residents in Nagaland who had travelled to cast their votes began returning to the state, prompting authorities to enforce strict Inner Line Permit (ILP) checks at multiple entry points.
On the directive of the district administration, dobashis were deployed to verify ILP documents of returnees at key locations, including Dillai Gate, New Field Check Gate, Dimapur Railway Station, and Burma Camp along the Assam border.
At New Field Check Gate, officials reported that approximately 104 challans were issued, with a fine of INR 200 per person for failing to produce valid ILP documents. Four individuals were reportedly sent back to Assam as they neither possessed ILP nor were able to pay the penalty.
However, students, medical patients, and emergency cases were exempted, though they were warned to apply for ILP at the earliest. Officials said that a majority of the returnees did not possess valid ILP.
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Dobashis informed that the checking drive at New Field Check Gate commenced at 8 am and concluded around 1 pm.
At Dimapur Railway Station, around 150 challans had been issued to individuals without ILP as of 1.30 pm, with the checking exercise starting at approximately 10 am.
Similarly, at Dillai Gate, nearly 200 individuals were fined for not having ILP. Authorities also cautioned that repeat offenders would face a higher penalty of INR 1,000.
Dobashis further informed that individuals with expired ILP were instructed to renew their permits and were allowed to proceed. They reiterated that most people entering Nagaland were found without valid ILP.
Officials at the check gates stated that the continuation of the ILP checking drive will depend on further orders from the deputy commissioner. They added that, if directed, the checking process will continue in the coming days.
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It may be noted that the Dimapur district administration had announced the official implementation of ILP in the district in an order issued on May 27. The deputy commissioner of Dimapur had outlined various categories, validity periods, fee structures, and documentation requirements for applicants.
Under the revised fee structure, domestic tourists can obtain a 30-day permit for INR 200, while foreign tourists are charged INR 300 for the same period. Traders have the option of a 90-day permit for INR 300 with an INR 150 renewal fee or an annual permit for INR 1,000 with an INR 500 renewal fee.
Labourers are issued a 90-day permit for INR 150, renewable at INR 100. Technical personnel and consultants can avail a two-year permit for INR 1,500 with an INR 500 renewal fee.
Priests and teachers are eligible for three-year permits at INR 1,500, with an INR 500 renewal fee. Students can obtain permits for up to five years or the duration of their course, whichever is earlier, at INR 300. Business partners can secure a three-year permit for INR 5,000 with a one-time renewal fee of INR 3,000.
Key documents required include Aadhaar card, educational certificates, business registration proofs, and, in some cases, a local guarantor. Notably, students and foreign tourists are exempt from requiring a guarantor.
Residents of Assam’s border districts—Karimganj, Hailakandi, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong—are required to furnish a copy of their National Register of Citizens (NRC) entry along with standard ILP documents.