Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) on Tuesday launched its first youth awareness programme at Kohima College, focusing on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system derived from the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation.
The event, aimed at sensitising Naga youth to the relevance and importance of the ILP, marks the beginning of a series of such programmes to be held across the state. The initiative is being led by the NSF’s ILRC, formed to promote understanding and compliance with the ILP among the public, particularly young people.
NSF Vice President Mteisuding provided insight into the formation and purpose of the ILRC, emphasising its mandate to promote awareness and ensure proper enforcement of the ILP.
ILRC Chairman Senchumo NSN Lotha offered a detailed overview of the ILP’s provisions and compliance procedures. Highlighting the need for effective implementation, he remarked, “We have the gun [the ILP] but don’t know how to use it, while others like the Mizos use theirs effectively.”
Lotha clarified that the ILP is a temporary travel document, and on its expiry, holders are required to leave the state unless formally extended. He reiterated that the NSF is not against people entering Nagaland, but visitors must adhere to its laws.
Tracing the historical roots of the regulation, Lotha noted that the British introduced the ILP to both safeguard the economic and cultural interests of indigenous communities and to regulate interaction with plains settlers. He called on the youth to play an active role in protecting their land and identity, urging cooperation rather than confrontation in dealings with the government.
Concluding the session, ILRC Member Secretary Seve R. Vadeo highlighted the ILP’s continued relevance. “The ILP is not just an old law; it’s a vital shield protecting Nagaland’s indigenous identity, land, and economic rights. Our youth must understand and actively defend this regulation – our collective future depends on it,” he said.
Presided over by All Naga College Students’ Union (ANCSU) President Tenyesinlo Bukh, the programme began with an invocation by Theyiseinuo Keditsu and a welcome address by Bukh himself. Kohima College Principal also addressed the gathering, highlighting the ILP’s role in protecting the rights of indigenous communities.
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