Western Sümi Hoho calls for robust ILP mechanism

• DIMAPUR — The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has underscored the need for a robust Inner Line Permit (ILP) mechanism to maintain demographic balance and administrative stability amid increasing migration.
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• In a representation to the chief minister dated June 9, the WSH suggested recommendations aimed at strengthening the enforcement and monitoring of the ILP system particularly in the three districts of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima.
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• The recommendations have been categorised into short-term and long-term objectives which, the WSH stated, can be implemented in a phased manner by the government and its allied agencies.
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• According to the WSH, the short-term objectives include:
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• Verification and authentication: Integrating the ILP system with existing government-issued digital identification platforms, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and EPIC; Introduction of QR code or barcode-enabled ILPs for secure and efficient verification at checkpoints; establishment of ILP-specific verification gates at key entry points; 24/7 manned checkpoints at all major entry and exit points, especially around Dimapur and adjoining regions; enforcing ILP checks at railway stations, bus terminals, and airport; ensuring undiluted authenticity of Naga identity through stringent certificate issuance; strategic limitation of ILP issuance to address the multifaceted challenges associated with unrestricted influx.
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• Law enforcement and penalties: Imposing strict fines and legal penalties for overstaying, misuse, or bypassing ILP regulations, and action against local residents who shelter, employ, or act as guarantors for individuals lacking valid ILP documentation.

Also read: Government firm on Inner Line Permit implementation — DC Dimapur

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• Community involvement and awareness: Local vigilance committees to assist law enforcement in monitoring and reporting ILP violations and awareness campaigns to educate both local residents and incoming migrants on ILP rules and penalties.
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• Role of businesses and transport: Making ILP verification mandatory for hotels, guest houses, and public transport operators; collaboration with taxi unions and aggregators to incorporate ILP checks before rendering services, and syncing ILP data with Assam’s transport and identity databases to improve cross-verification.
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• Interstate coordination: Coordination with authorities in neighbouring Assam, particularly in Karbi Anglong and adjoining districts, and ILP issuance facilities at entry points for tourists and short-stay visitors.
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• The long-term objectives are:
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• Centralised verification system: Developing a centralised ILP database accessible to immigration officials, police, and district administrations for seamless monitoring.
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• Surveillance infrastructure: Installation of high-definition CCTV cameras at major entry points and sensitive locations in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland.
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• Integrated law enforcement: Ensuring integration of ILP data with police and enforcement digital systems for real-time action and analytics.
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• Implementation task force: Constitution of a dedicated ILP Task Force to oversee phased rollouts, conduct audits, and review performance metrics.
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• ILP mobile application: A geo-tagged mobile app enabling users to apply, renew, and check ILP validity digitally.
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•  Real-time eKYC integration: Biometric-enabled eKYC systems at checkpoints for faster verification.
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• Digital blacklist system: A digital blacklist of violators and guarantors, preventing re-entry or access to services.
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• School and college awareness modules: Introduction of ILP-related content in educational institutions through workshops, competitions, and digital platforms.
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• Drone surveillance: Deployment of drones to monitor porous and unmanned border areas for detecting illegal entries.
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• Annual ILP white paper and dashboard: Annual and monthly reports and live dashboard detailing permits issued, violations, enforcement actions, and district-wise performance.
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• Digital ILP kiosks: Self-service kiosks at major entry points to facilitate digital ILP application, renewal, and biometric verification.
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• Behavioural scoring mechanism: Developing a digital compliance scoring system for ILP holders. Frequent violations or irregularities could trigger enhanced scrutiny.
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• “These recommendations are intended to enhance both the effectiveness and credibility of the ILP regime while ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability. We respectfully request that this proposal be considered for pilot implementation, with scope for further refinement based on feedback and reviews,” the representation added.