The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has stated that organizations that chose not to participate in consultations on the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation in Nagaland cannot later claim that they were denied an opportunity to present their views.
In a statement, the Commission said it had undertaken a “transparent and inclusive stakeholder consultation process” by issuing official communications and a public notice inviting non-local organizations to take part in the exercise.
According to the ILRC, the consultation process was initiated in recognition of the fact that the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation affects various stakeholders and that their views should be heard before recommendations are formulated.
The Commission said it had already conducted day-long interactive consultations with the Marwari Samaj, Muslim Council and Bengali Samaj on June 13 as part of the ongoing exercise.
“The Commission has made every reasonable effort to ensure that all concerned organizations were afforded an equal opportunity to participate in this important exercise,” the statement said.
The ILRC maintained that organizations that were officially notified but did not respond or participate bear responsibility for their absence from the process.
“In this regard, the Commission wishes to make it clear that any organization which has chosen not to respond or participate, despite being officially notified, cannot subsequently claim that it was denied an opportunity to present its views, concerns or recommendations before the Commission,” it stated.
RECAP : NSF ILRC to hold consultation with non-local organisations on ILR implementation
The NSF said organizations claiming to represent the interests of their respective communities also have a responsibility to engage constructively on matters of public importance.
The Commission said it would proceed with the consultation process and formulate its recommendations based on the views and submissions received from participating stakeholders. It added that the absence of any organization would not affect the legitimacy or credibility of the consultation exercise.
Reiterating its position, the ILRC stated that meaningful dialogue depends on participation and not on criticism after the process has concluded.
“Organizations that decline the opportunity to engage during the consultative process should not expect the Commission to revisit recommendations on grounds that they were not heard when every reasonable opportunity had been extended,” it said.
