The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for strengthened enforcement of the Inner Line Pass (ILP) system in Nagaland, citing concerns over reports of illegal entry and movement of people from Bangladesh and Myanmar through parts of the North Eastern region.
In a press communiqué issued on Monday, the ILRC-NSF urged the government to enhance surveillance at entry points, strengthen verification of identity documents and improve coordination among enforcement agencies to prevent what it described as unlawful entry, movement and settlement in Naga areas.
The Commission called upon Deputy Commissioners, district administrations, law enforcement agencies, Village Councils, Town Councils, colony and ward authorities to ensure that no individual resides, works or carries out activities in areas covered by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, without complying with legal provisions.
At the same time, the ILRC-NSF warned against the alleged misuse of the ILP system by individuals or groups to extort money, harass or intimidate non-Naga residents, workers, students or visitors.
The Commission stated that no individual has the authority to collect money, impose penalties or threaten anyone in the name of ILP except as permitted under law. It said any person involved in such activities would be identified and the matter would be taken up with the competent authorities for legal action.
The ILRC-NSF appealed to citizens to report suspected cases of illegal entry or settlement, violations of ILP provisions, and incidents of extortion or illegal collection of money in the name of ILP to the appropriate authorities or the Commission.
While urging vigilance, the Commission also cautioned against spreading rumors, misinformation or targeting individuals or communities without credible evidence.
The ILRC-NSF reiterated that safeguarding indigenous rights must be pursued within the framework of law and said it would maintain “zero tolerance” towards both illegal entry into the state and misuse of the ILP mechanism.
