Dimapur has officially begun the process of identifying individuals exempt from the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, following the Nagaland government’s recent expansion of ILP coverage to previously exempt districts. The enumeration targets residents falling under two specific categories—those who settled in Dimapur before and shortly after Nagaland attained statehood—who are eligible for exemption from ILP requirements.
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur has notified the commencement of identification and enumeration of individuals falling under Category I and Category II with immediate effect.
This exercise is being carried out in pursuance of the Home Department’s Political Branch notification dated September 20, 2024, and stems from the Nagaland Government’s decision on May 27, 2025, to officially extend the ILP system to the previously exempted district of Dimapur.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, forms for the identification process will be issued from the ILP Administrative Cell at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Dimapur.
Who falls under Category I and Category II?
Category I comprises individuals or families who settled in Dimapur prior to December 1, 1963—before Nagaland attained statehood. Persons falling under this category are exempt from obtaining an ILP and will be issued a Smart Card. In addition to ILP exemption, they may also avail Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC) and Domicile Certificates as proof of their longstanding residency.
Verification documents for Category I include electoral roll entries dated December 5, 1963, as well as land or property pattas or permits dated December 1, 1963. House tax receipts dated December 1, 1963, are also accepted.
Additionally, any other government-issued documents or official records that cite residency in Dimapur prior to December 1, 1963, will be considered valid for verification under this category.
Category II covers individuals and families who settled in Dimapur between December 2, 1963, and November 21, 1979.
These individuals are also exempt from the ILP requirements and will be issued a Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC), with the option to obtain Domicile Certificates upon request.
Accepted verification documents for Category II include electoral roll entries dated between December 2, 1963, and November 21, 1979. Records from the Town Committee, land or property pattas, or permits issued during the same period are also accepted. House tax records from within this timeframe will be considered as valid documentation.
Furthermore, any other government-issued documents or official records that confirm settlement in Dimapur during the period between December 2, 1963, and November 21, 1979, will also be accepted.
The Inner Line Permit is a regulatory mechanism enforced under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. It is designed to monitor and regulate the entry and stay of non-indigenous persons in certain northeastern states, including Nagaland.
With the expansion of ILP to Dimapur, the identification of exempted residents under the two categories is seen as a necessary step toward implementing the regulation effectively while protecting the rights of long-time residents.
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