The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called on government offices and district administrators in Nagaland to adopt the historically and legally accurate term “Inner Line Pass” (ILP), rather than the commonly used “Inner Line Permit.”
In a press statement, the ILRC pointed out that the original phrase “Inner Line Pass” is rooted in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, and should therefore be maintained in all official usage to reflect its legal origin.
“Aligned with the very spirit of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, where the executive phrase ‘Inner Line Pass’ was originally used, the ILRC urges all District Administrators and government offices to revert to the original nomenclature,” the ILRC stated.
The statement came in response to the recent notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, which revised ILP guidelines across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts.
While appreciating the administrative efforts to streamline ILP protocols, including categorisation of applicants, transparent fee structures, and robust enforcement measures, the ILRC raised concerns over any move to waive ILP fees.
The ILRC reiterated that no exemptions should be made, even for short-term visitors, and that all non-indigenous individuals must carry valid ILP documentation. It cited practices in Mizoram, where even short-term ILPs require payment and proper issuance, as a standard Nagaland should also follow.
“Under no conditions should any category of entrant be exempted from possessing an ILP with necessary fee exaction, as this undermines enforcement reliability,” the statement said.
The ILRC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive collaboration with the State Government and district authorities to ensure that the Inner Line system, strengthened by Article 371(A), is uniformly enforced.
“In doing so, we must preserve its original purpose of safeguarding the land, identity, and heritage of Naga people, while adapting resiliently to contemporary challenges,” the ILRC maintained.