The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, urging the government to establish an independent Inner Line Permit (ILP) Commission aimed at addressing the influx of illegal immigrants into the state. The NSF expressed concern over the “unabated inflow of illegal immigrants into the Naga homeland,” stating that this ongoing situation threatens the “unique identity and culture” of the indigenous population and poses risks to “demographic balance and regional security.”
In its letter, the NSF acknowledged the government’s efforts in expanding ILP coverage to include Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts. However, it stressed the need for a more rigorous approach, noting that while ILP—a “regulatory framework with over 150 years of legacy”—was initially intended to safeguard the state’s cultural and security interests, recent years have seen a “significant lapse in its strict implementation.”
The NSF warned that the influx of illegal immigrants has “strained the social fabric of our society and raised questions about the future safety, security, and cohesion of our communities”.
“The situation demands decisive action that transcends routine administrative measures, recognizing the urgency and magnitude of the threat posed,” it added.
In this regard, the NSF proposed the immediate establishment of a separate and independent ILP Commission dedicated to enforcing a comprehensive and robust system to monitor and manage entries into Nagaland.
The commission, according to the NSF, should be tasked with reviewing, refining, and strictly enforcing ILP protocols, with all necessary modalities in place. The federation recommended that the process of establishing the commission be completed within six months and in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a collaborative and sustainable approach.
The NSF outlined that the commission should be equipped to enforce ILP regulations stringently across all districts to prevent unauthorized entry. It also called for empowering Village Councils to withhold Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC) and other legal documents from illegal immigrants, preventing their unauthorized integration into local communities. The federation further highlighted the need for increased community vigilance and collaboration, encouraging local populations to report suspicious activities and work with law enforcement agencies to strengthen the monitoring process.