Meeting calls for coordinated effort to protect indigenous Naga rights
With growing concerns over the influx of non-locals and lapses in Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation, the Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) under the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) convened a consultative meeting at the Naga Council Dimapur Hall on Monday to deliberate on strengthening the ILP system and protecting indigenous Naga rights.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), GB’s Union (Sardar), Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Forum, and the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU). It was chaired by Seve R. Vadeo, Member Secretary of the ILRC, and began with an invocation by Onen Jamir, General Secretary, GB’s Union (Sardar), Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering, NSF President Mteisuding reaffirmed that the Inner Line Regulation remains one of the Federation’s top priorities.
“The ILRC was formed to strengthen the enforcement of the Inner Line Regulation System, which stems from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, and to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous Naga people,” he said.
Kelhouniezo Yhome, Member of the ILRC, emphasized the importance of upholding Naga identity, culture, and integrity. Recalling NSF’s long-standing role since its inception in 1947, he reminded that as early as 1975, the Federation had recommended that all State quotas and benefits be reserved exclusively for indigenous Nagas. Highlighting Dimapur as a key area of concern due to the high influx of outsiders, Yhome urged the Naga Council Dimapur and GB’s Union to remain vigilant.
He identified two pressing challenges under the ILP system — the unchecked entry of illegal migrants and the lack of public awareness. Citing Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, he reiterated that non-Nagas are not permitted to own land in Nagaland and called on all civil bodies and student organizations to work in unison to ensure strict enforcement.
Speaking on similar lines, Hukavi T. Yeputhomi stressed that while the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, remains a vital safeguard for the Naga people, its implementation has been weakened by low awareness and the absence of a clearly demarcated boundary between Nagaland and Assam. He urged both the government and local authorities to expedite boundary demarcation and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, particularly in border areas where Village Chairmen and GBs have a key role to play.
During the open discussion, participants raised several key points, including:
· The need to empower local Councils and GBs for effective ILP enforcement in Dimapur.
· The necessity to regulate ILP holders residing within Dimapur, beyond tourists and daily visitors.
· The importance of reclaiming local economic control and strengthening Naga ownership in the business sector.
· The creation of a centralized Indigenous Certificate database to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse.
· Further streamlining of the ILP online portal for improved management and transparency.
The house collectively agreed to work in closer coordination with government departments and civil society organizations to safeguard indigenous rights, promote awareness on the Inner Line Regulation, and ensure its effective and transparent implementation across the State.
The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to protect Naga identity, land, and heritage in accordance with the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, and the constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A).
