TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
The 14th May 25 Cabinet Decision on ILP and RIIN is Unsustainable
ILP and RIIN involve the territory, political, and economic aspects of Nagaland.
Published on May 28, 2025
By EMN
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- Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) involve the territory, political, and economic aspects of Nagaland. No intellectual citizen should ignore the gravity of its impact.
- On ILP: Currently, Indian citizens and foreigners require ILP in four Northeastern states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. It means Nagaland people also require an ILP to enter other States. There is no exception.
- We have a new situation after two negotiated Agreements. In the past, the Nagaland State Government has applied ILP with leniency, because of the integration issue. Now the negotiation teams, after thought in over a 100 negotiation meetings, have given up the demand for sovereignty and integration. Despite of understanding the new situation, the Cabinet appealed to appoint a new interlocutor and restart talks. We all know the appeal was rejected by GOI, stating that “talks have concluded”. The Hon’ble Union Home Minister further expressed that if the people’s government doesn’t want the solution, they (the centre) are helpless. Therefore, the talk is not stalemate or in a deadlock. The matter is over. Even if agreements are implemented, the respective States and the Centre have to take care. We have no more common issues to fight or talk. As such, there is no reason to burden the Nagaland public anymore. Therefore, Nagaland should be screened with ILP and RIIN effectively.
- Secondly, the Cabinet decision to pause issuing the Indigenous Certificate (IIC) to qualified citizens is discriminatory, an infringement and abridgement of fundamental rights to the four minority communities (Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikir). The decision is an abuse of power.
- I supported RIIN with an expectation of removing the infiltration and freeing the territory of Nagaland. Infiltration, illegal migration, and adoptions are rampant, even in remote villages and in deep forests, especially in the border areas. The State government changing the goal post of RIIN under pressure from the NSCN(IM) against the unrepresented minorities is an act of cowardice. The four tribes have had no representation in the State Assembly for over 40 years. That does not mean NLA can use them as guinea pigs.
- The Cabinet is expected to apply their mind in delivering justice and equality without ill will. They have sworn an oath in the name of God as is prescribed in the Constitution to carry out their duties without prejudice. They should be ashamed of their spineless decisions.
- Nagaland leaders and Nagaland National Workers should change their position with a new situation and stop indulging and collaborating with infiltrators and illegal migrants. In the given situation, it is common sense for all indigenous Nagas, especially the youth, to unite and make a strong Nagaland State to save territory, people, and the future.
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- K. Therie
- Former Finance Minister and President NPCC
Nagaland Districts
