The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a strong warning against the continued prevalence of Benami business practices in Naga areas, stating that such arrangements pose a direct threat to Naga economic rights, trade protections and customary safeguards.
In a statement, the Commission said Benami businesses—also described as Local Fronting, Proxy Ownership or Nominee Arrangements—involve non-local individuals operating commercial establishments under the names of local Naga citizens in order to bypass existing regulations.
According to the ILRC, these practices violate legal and customary frameworks meant to protect Naga land, trade and economic interests, including Inner Line regulations and trade licensing norms.
The Commission stated that the NSF has been opposing such practices since the 1990s through campaigns, public awareness efforts and repeated representations, but maintained that the persistence of such businesses despite decades of opposition reflects what it described as continued disregard for both law and community concerns.
Calling for immediate action, the ILRC issued what it described as a “clear and unequivocal warning” to all non-Naga individuals currently engaged in Benami business arrangements in Naga areas, stating that such practices must stop immediately.
It also cautioned local Naga individuals who knowingly facilitate such arrangements, criticizing what it termed the growing normalization of “Rent-a-local” practices, where local identities are allegedly used for financial gain to enable non-local commercial operations.
“The growing normalization of what can only be described as ‘Rent-a-local’ practices… represents a deeply troubling erosion of collective responsibility,” the Commission stated.
The ILRC argued that such arrangements undermine long-term community rights and economic sovereignty for short-term personal benefit.
As part of what it described as an intensified enforcement approach, the Commission announced that it will initiate surprise inspections and spot checks across various commercial sectors to identify and expose alleged Benami operations.
It stated that these inspections would be carried out through its organisational mechanisms and, where necessary, in coordination with relevant authorities.
The Commission also made what it termed a “firm and non-negotiable demand” for the immediate cessation of all Benami business practices, including proxy ownership and “Rent-a-local” arrangements, in Naga areas.
It warned that entities found violating these principles would face public exposure and further action deemed necessary for the protection of Naga rights and lawful economic order.
Reaffirming its position, the ILRC said it remains committed to safeguarding the identity, interests and economic future of the Naga people.
“No more fronts. No more proxies. Naga rights are not for rent,” the statement said.