To strengthen the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Nagaland, the state cabinet has proposed the formation of an enforcement directorate to intensify ILP implementation. This was disclosed by Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, while addressing media persons after the state cabinet meeting in Kohima on Tuesday.
Kenye stated that the proposed directorate “will be constituted by officials and task forces from various departments and will work as a multi-tiered unit alongside the police and administration.” He added that both the police and administrative machinery have been directed to “step up ILP enforcement.”
Kenye—who also serves as the government spokesperson—emphasised the urgency of improving ILP mechanisms due to “growing concerns over illegal immigration and demographic shifts.”
He acknowledged that the cabinet “extensively discussed the operational gaps in the ILP framework” and examined how neighbouring states like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have successfully digitised their ILP systems. “We have been vocal about ILP, but at some point, enforcement became casual, and that led to infiltration of Bangladeshis, especially through the southern routes,” Kenye remarked.
Citing legislative developments, the minister noted that the introduction of Section 6B under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, “opened a legal framework” allowing states to integrate ILP provisions under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873. However, he pointed out that “procedural delays have held back full implementation in our state.”
Kenye acknowledged the rising public impatience and pressure for stricter measures, while also addressing the challenges of defining various categories of residents. “The complexity of categorizing residents, locals, tourists, migrant workers and indigenous minorities” was a critical concern, he said, adding that the government is actively working on “identifying and separating genuine locals and residents from others within similar communities across the region.”
To streamline enforcement without creating additional financial burden, Kenye said the cabinet has proposed establishing a multi-departmental enforcement directorate “specifically for ILP, without increasing the financial burden by creating new posts.” This body, he explained, will coordinate with the police and administrative departments “to monitor entry and stay durations.”
The state is also exploring digital solutions to enhance the system. “In neighbouring states, ILP is computerised with expiry trackers and centralised alerts. We must learn from them and tailor our own system,” Kenye said. He further indicated that “online payments and real-time tracking are expected to minimise misuse and improve efficiency.”
A subcommittee has been assigned to visit neighbouring states to “study their ILP implementation in detail and adapt best practices.” In the meantime, Kenye confirmed that Nagaland’s law enforcement agencies “have already been instructed to begin checks and prepare for enforcement.”
Responding to a query on penalties for ILP violations, the minister said that “deportation and other punitive actions are under consideration.” He added, “Issuing permits is one thing while ensuring timely exit is another. We need a solid tracking mechanism to handle defaulters effectively.”
While the cabinet plans to finalise the proposal for the new directorate and place it before the next meeting, Kenye affirmed that “enforcement measures are expected to begin even before formal approval.” The government, he said, hopes that “this comprehensive approach will protect indigenous communities while maintaining security and order.”
Nagaland transitions to online ILP
Nagaland government has transitioned the Inner Line Permit system to an online platform since the 1st of January this year. In a press release, Deputy Commissioner Headquarter Nagaland, Warren Holohon Yepthomi said, individuals wishing to apply for ILP can go through the official website at ilp.nagaland.gov.in or through the website of the Commissioner, Nagaland at commissioner.nagaland.gov.in/online-ilp.
(With inputs from PTI and AIR)