The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed its “deep appreciation to the State Government of Nagaland for initiating and undertaking the Enumeration Exercise which seeks to protect the rights, privileges and future of the inhabitants of the state.”
In a statement, the Federation described the measure as “a farsighted initiative that seeks to safeguard the political, economic and social fabric of the State against the growing challenges posed by unchecked migration and illegal influx.”
The NSF, however, expressed concern that “the four concerned tribes are refusing to extend their cooperation and participate in the ongoing enumeration process.” The Federation stressed that “the exercise must not be seen as a divisive or discriminatory act, but as a necessary step toward clarity, fairness and administrative integrity.”
It added that the process “seeks to identify those who have historically settled within the state prior to 1st December 1963, along with their direct descendants, in order to ensure that genuine inhabitants receive the rights and benefits they are duly entitled to.”
Highlighting security concerns, the NSF said it is “deeply concerned over the rising cases of illegal entry and infiltration from neighboring States,” calling it “a matter of grave alarm that many non-Nagas continue to enter the state illegally and are, in some cases, obtaining official documents such as State-recognized certificates and availing of quotas and privileges meant exclusively for the inhabitants of the State.”
To address these challenges, the Federation “strongly urges the Government and all concerned authorities to tighten enforcement of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR), strengthen border vigilance and adopt stringent measures to curb the illegal influx that undermines the future of the State.”
The NSF also took exception to what it described as attempts by certain political elements to “mislead the public and discredit the Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) by referring to it as a ‘mere committee.’” The statement clarified that “the ILRC was constituted by the highest decision-making authority of the Naga Students’ Federation, the Federal Assembly, and carries the collective mandate of all the federating units of NSF.” It added, “To undermine its role or credibility is to undermine not just the NSF, but the unified voice of the Naga students and youth who stand firm in defense of their people’s rights.”
According to the Federation, “The ILRC was born out of decades of experience, guided by the Federation’s constitution and driven by the will to safeguard the land and future of the Nagas.” Its formation, the NSF said, “was necessitated by the persistent failures in the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation and the growing menace of illegal migration.”
The NSF called on all individuals and organizations to “exercise restraint and refrain from making irresponsible statements that could divide the Naga people at a time when unity and foresight are most needed.” Emphasizing the purpose of the exercise, the statement said, “The enumeration exercise is not a campaign against any community, rather, it is a protective mechanism that will secure the future of all rightful inhabitants and prevent exploitation of the State’s resources and opportunities by those with no legitimate claim.”
The Federation reiterated that “its stand has always been consistent and principled to protect the rights, traditions and heritage of the Naga people while respecting the co-existence of other communities who have long lived among us in harmony.” However, it warned, “the Federation will never compromise on the foundational principles upon which it was formed in 1947, nor will it allow political opportunism to distort or derail the larger vision of a secure and self-determined Naga society.”
The NSF further called upon “the Government, civil societies and all stakeholders to work collectively in ensuring the successful completion of the Enumeration Exercise.”
