Ramping up efforts to protect indigenous identity and enforce state laws, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday launched a statewide youth awareness campaign on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, beginning with its first program at Kohima College.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC), a body under the NSF tasked with promoting understanding and ensuring proper compliance with the ILP, a law derived from the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation.
“We have the gun [the ILP] but don’t know how to use it, while others like the Mizos use theirs effectively,” said Senchumo NSN Lotha, Chairman of ILRC, during the session.
Addressing students and educators, Lotha explained the technical and historical aspects of the ILP. He said the regulation was introduced by the British to safeguard the cultural and economic interests of indigenous communities, and stressed that the ILP remains a “temporary travel document”—one that must be renewed or vacated upon expiry. “Once expired, the holder must exit the inner line zone unless an extension is granted,” he said.
“The NSF is not against people entering Nagaland, but visitors must adhere to its laws,” he clarified.
The event, presided over by All Naga College Students’ Union (ANCSU) President Tenyesinlo Bukh, marked the beginning of what NSF calls a long-term sensitisation campaign across Nagaland.
NSF Vice President Mteisuding elaborated on the formation of the ILRC, stating its core objective was to instill awareness among the youth and support proper enforcement mechanisms.
“The ILP is not just an old law; it’s a vital shield protecting Nagaland’s indigenous identity, land, and economic rights,” said Seve R Vadeo, ILRC Member Secretary. “Our youth must understand and actively defend this regulation – our collective future depends on it.”
The ILRC said similar awareness campaigns will be conducted across districts in the coming months.