Kohima: To strengthen the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Nagaland, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) submitted a 10-point memorandum to the state government on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference at the NSF office in Kohima, NSF president Medovi Rhi said a memorandum outlining the commission’s suggestions were submitted to the Chief Secretary at the civil secretariat in Kohima.
He informed that the NSF’s ILRC was formed for a period of three years following its 4th Federal Assembly held in 2024.
Chairman of the ILRC, Senchumo NSN Lotha, highlighted that the issue of ILP is not a new concern for the Federation. The NSF, he said, has been championing this cause for years. Over the years, he observed that the state government remained lackadaisical in their approach towards implementing the ILP.
The commission, been tasked with formulating detailed suggestions and regulatory measures, came up with the suggestions to ensure proper and effective implementation of the ILP.
He cited that Mizoram remains the only state in the Northeast that has strictly implemented the regulation and reaped its economic benefits. The NSF, he said, believes that Nagaland too must fully utilise the ILP framework to gain economic control and protect local interests.
Lotha said that their intent is not to obstruct the entry of outsiders into the state, but to ensure that visitors adhere to norms and respect local laws. He insisted that no person should face harassment while obtaining an ILP, but the process must involve strict scrutiny.
He informed that one of their key recommendations include the creation of a centralised database system for ILP issuance. According to them, the ILP issued to outsiders must be stored in a single central location. “In this regard, the NSF appeal to the Government of Nagaland (GoN) to establish a Centralised Database System for maintaining data consistency in the issue of ILP.”
Another recommendation is the establishment of new and strengthened ILP check points, especially at key entry points like Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport. The NSF also suggested the formation of a dedicated ILP enforcement wing in all district headquarters.
Through the memorandum, the NSF also urged the government to organise sensitisation programmes for field personnel to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the BEFR 1873. The implementing departments, according to NSF, often lack clarity on the limitations and exemptions under the ILP regime, leading to inconsistent enforcement.
Further, the Federation called for transparency in ILP fee collection and utilisation. It suggested that the government establish a dedicated bank account and promote cashless transactions through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Part of the revenue, it said, should be directed towards infrastructure such as detention centres and deportation mechanisms, with a portion earmarked to support underprivileged Naga students. In this regard, he questioned the amount that has been collected and where has been utilised.
The NSF further recommended that ILPs should not be renewed indefinitely. They proposed a maximum of two extensions under exceptional circumstances, after which the ILP holder must leave the state and reapply if needed.
Responding to the memo submitted by the NSF, he said that the Chief Secretary of Nagaland is reported to have given valuable suggestions. Seve R Vadeo, member secretary of the commission informed that the chief secretary has hinted on the formation of a joint committee with the government.
The ILRC plans to intensify its outreach, including meetings with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and visits to educational institutions, to raise awareness and ensure collective effort in strengthening the ILP regime.
Sharing his optimism on the state government’s response to the memo, he added, “We see no room for the government to sit idle on the representation submitted”.
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