The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has welcomed the Angami Public Organisation’s (APO) phased resolutions on employment, services and tenancy involving illegal immigrants, and called on other Naga tribal organisations and apex bodies to adopt a united stand on enforcing safeguards under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
In a press statement issued on October 13, the ILRC-NSF commended the APO for its “firm and time-bound resolution” and said the organisation had rightly highlighted the continuing failure to effectively enforce safeguards under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, including in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland.
The ILRC-NSF said the APO’s phased approach provided individuals and non-indigenous communities a clear period to address illegal immigration and ensure that employment, service arrangements, documentation and tenancy complied with the law.
Clarifying its position, the commission stated that the Naga people were not opposed to non-indigenous people who entered, worked, traded and resided in Nagaland lawfully. “The concern is illegal immigration and non-compliance with the law,” it said, adding that the distinction must be understood and the law upheld.
The ILRC-NSF expressed support for the APO’s initiative and urged other Naga tribal organisations and apex bodies to join in a coordinated effort. It also called on the State Government to respond urgently to the issue.
READ | APO announces phased restrictions on employment, tenancy of illegal immigrants
The ILRC-NSF said its representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, submitted on October 1 following the National Seminar on the BEFR, was still awaiting a response from the Chief Minister’s Office.
Noting that the representation had been reported in print media but could not be published in full due to space constraints, the ILRC said organisations or individuals seeking the complete text could request a copy through its official WhatsApp number, +91 84138 99928.
The commission urged the government to respond and act without delay.
