Non-Naga influence ‘extends to political funding’, say NSF and ILRC; issue recommendations to strengthen BEFR

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and its Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) has called on the Nagaland government to urgently review the enforcement of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, citing its continuing significance in protecting the interests of indigenous communities.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the two bodies pointed out that the BEFR, introduced during British colonial rule through the Enabling Act of 1870, remains one of the oldest and longest-standing regulations in the region. Although repealed in many parts of India after independence, it continues to be enforced in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The NSF and ILRC noted that recent developments, particularly the fallout of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, underscored the relevance of the BEFR. Manipur’s move to extend the regulation within its territory was cited as a positive example.

The NSF and ILRC argued that the historical and contemporary benefits of the BEFR are now widely recognized across political and academic circles. “A time has come to exigently peruse the provisions of the BEFR in the context of today and make amends according to the necessity,” the statement read.

NSF & ILRC warns of economic displacement
The NSF & ILRC also warned of “grave danger” to the economic future of indigenous Nagas, citing lax enforcement of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and growing external influence over local markets.

“The lackadaisical attitude of the implementing agencies of the Government compounded by the ignorance of the Naga public has only been aggravating the issue,” they stated.

They added that non-Naga groups have begun to dominate critical sectors of Nagaland’s economy, with their influence allegedly extending into political funding during general elections. “Their hegemonic control over the economy of the Nagas has grown to such a height that even politicians are funded during elections, and such politicians continue to play politics with obligations to non-Nagas,” the NSF and ILRC said.

Clarifying its position, the federation stressed that it does not oppose the entry of mainland Indians into Nagaland. “Any citizen of India is welcome to Nagaland,” it said. However, it maintained that just as Nagas abide by the laws of other Indian states, “other Indians must also adhere to the laws of Nagaland without any reservation.”

The NSF and ILRC further cautioned that non-Nagas must regard themselves as “guests” in Nagaland. “Nagas are naturally hospitable to guests, but if the guests start to behave like the hosts, trouble will surely come,” it warned.

The statement underlined what it called a “genuine time” for the state government to allow the Naga people to “reap the full benefits” of the BEFR’s provisions.

It warned that the economic, political, and cultural identity of the Nagas must be safeguarded “at any cost.”

“Outsiders cannot be allowed to control the Nagas economically and politically, which is sadly happening,” the NSF and ILRC said, calling for the establishment of a “strong governmental machinery” to counter the trend. It also criticised the state’s current approach, noting that “Nagaland has been, in light of the Yesonu Committee, ‘facilitative’ toward the enforcement of the BEFR, unlike Mizoram, which is ‘regimental’ in its implementation.”

According to the NSF and ILRC, the continued influx of immigrants — both legal and illegal — has reached “alarming” levels, threatening not just the economy but also the demographic fabric of Nagaland. “Pathetic to say, but the Nagas are day by day becoming preys to this overwhelmingly unabated influx,” it said, warning that Nagas “may soon become a minority in our own indigenous homeland.”

The federation’s call comes amid heightened concerns in several northeastern states over the impact of migration and demographic shifts. The NSF has urged the government to adopt a holistic approach to protect the rights and future of its citizens, before, it said, “the Nagas fall into the hands of immigrants.”

NSF recommendation
As part of its recommendations, the NSF & ILRC outlined key steps that the Government of Nagaland must urgently consider:

Centralised Database System: The Federation urged the establishment of a single, centralised database to store information related to Inner Line Passes (ILP) issued to outsiders entering Nagaland. According to the NSF, such a system would “ensure ease of access, consistency and improved security” and help in better monitoring those entering the state with “vested interests.”

New and Strengthened ILP Check Points: Pointing to the “porous borders” Nagaland shares with Assam, the NSF said the current implementation of the Inner Line Regulation was inadequate. It called on the government to establish new check points, particularly at sensitive locations like Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport, and to strengthen existing ones to curb unchecked entry.

Creation of a Separate ILP Enforcement Wing: The Federation criticised the present monitoring mechanism post-ILP issuance as “very shallow” and advocated for a dedicated enforcement wing tasked specifically with overseeing compliance. Such a body, it said, would ensure that the regulation is not merely procedural but actively enforced on the ground.

Sensitisation of the Implementing Agencies: Stressing the need for thorough understanding of the BEFR 1873 among field personnel, the NSF highlighted the “ignorance” that had crept into the enforcement system over the years. It called on the state government to organise sensitisation programmes to ensure that officials are well-versed in both the limitations and exemptions under the law.

Transparency in the Collection of ILP Fees: The NSF also demanded greater transparency in the collection of ILP-related fees and fines. It urged the government to publicly declare the total amount of money collected under ILP enforcement since statehood and explain how the funds have been utilised.

Change in ILP Fee Payment Method: In order to curb irregularities and bring about accountability, the Federation suggested that the government open a separate bank account exclusively for ILP fees. It recommended that payments be made through digital modes such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to minimise cash handling. Moreover, the funds generated should be used to create infrastructure like detention centres for defaulters and support under-privileged Naga students.

Ease in Issue of ILP: The Federation stressed that no Indian citizen possessing valid and universally accepted documents — such as Aadhaar or Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) — should be denied an ILP. However, it said the guarantor’s credibility must be thoroughly examined, and the guarantor must bear stringent responsibility for the applicant.

Scrutiny of Purpose: The NSF proposed that the purpose for which ILP is sought must be thoroughly scrutinised, and ILPs should only be issued if the reason for entry is found to be genuine.

Severity of Penalty for Defaulters: Pointing out that even during the colonial period, ILP defaulters faced stiff fines, the NSF suggested that present-day penalties should be no less than Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for the first offence, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

No Renewal of ILP: To prevent prolonged stays, the NSF proposed that ILPs should not be renewable beyond two extensions under any circumstances.

The statement was issued by Medovi Rhi, President of NSF and Senchumo NSN Lotha, Chairman of ILRC.

MT