The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has raised serious concerns over the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Phek district after 21 ILP defaulters detected during a 10-day verification drive were reportedly released after being issued permits administratively instead of being prosecuted under the law.
The union, which conducted an ILP Verification Drive from April 21 to 30 across its jurisdiction in Phek “to safeguard the rights and interests of the local populace and curb the influx of illegal migrants,” said it verified 502 non-locals during the exercise.
According to the CSU, while 481 individuals possessed valid ILPs, 21 were found to be defaulters. Of these, 12 were detected in Phek under contractor Sunil Debnath, seven in Chizami under contractor Mhao Humtsoe, and two in Pfutsero under contractor Keviuya John Bosco Sote.
Following the detection, the CSU lodged complaints at the respective police stations and sought registration of FIRs against the defaulters under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873.
However, the union alleged that instead of initiating criminal proceedings, the individuals were released after being issued ILPs by the administration on the ground that the matter was non-cognizable and therefore not subject to FIR.
Calling the response “deeply concerning,” the CSU maintained that violation of ILP provisions constitutes a cognizable offence and that such cases should be dealt with through due legal process rather than administrative regularisation.
Under the BEFR Act, 1873, any person entering or remaining within the Inner Line without a valid pass is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs. 1,000, or both.
The controversy has now brought renewed attention to how ILP violations are enforced on the ground, with the CSU arguing that merely issuing permits after detection weakens the very purpose of the regulatory mechanism.
The union has demanded that ILP defaulters be produced before competent courts instead of being dealt with administratively, and further called for separate Officers-in-Charge in every police station to ensure proper registration and handling of ILP violation cases.
It also pointed to the outdated nature of the BEFR Act’s penalty provisions, stating that the Rs. 1,000 fine prescribed under a law enacted over 150 years ago is no longer an effective deterrent in 2026.
“Such a negligible penalty fails to deter defaulters or be taken seriously,” the union stated, urging the government to strengthen ILP enforcement and review the adequacy of existing legal provisions.
The CSU said it would continue conducting ILP verification drives at regular intervals and directed its affiliated units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant in ensuring that all non-locals residing or working within their jurisdictions possess valid ILPs.