DNSU urges state government for effective implementation of ILP in Dimapur

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has appealed to the State government to implement the ILP regime in Nagaland.

In a press release, NDSU said that the Government extended the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime in Dimapur District on 9 December 2019, much to the jubilation of the local populace and CSOs in the district. DNSU, however, pointed out that there is no effective mechanism to check the influx of illegal immigrants into the district despite assurances from our honourable Home Minister.

Dimapur district was the only district which was not covered by the ILP since the formation of the state in 1963, leading to unprecedented illegal migration.

NDSU said that the powers conferred under Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873, empowers the Government to extend ILP in the entire state of Nagaland.

“Nagaland state is unique in the sense that it is not borne out of any Ascension/Merger agreement but came into being because of political necessity although rejected by the majority of the Nagas,” it said.

DNSU further said that the ILP is the assurance given by the then Indian Government under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, that indigenous people are not exploited by non-locals. However, DNSU pointed out that Dimapur district is currently controlled by outsiders with 90% of the business under non indigenous communities.

“DNSU wishes to allay the fears of non Naga communities who are settled in Dimapur that we are not against any community/communities settling in Dimapur. We assure no persecution on any non locals. We wish to live in peace and harmony,” it said.

In the interest of the Nagas, DNSU said it will be collecting data on non-local populace in Dimapur district. In this regard, it said a representation was also submitted to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur.

MT