To
Chief Secretary
Government of Nagaland
Subject: Urgent Action Required: Demand for Revocation of Suspension Order of ILP in Dimapur (erstwhile) and Stringent Implementation of ILP in Nagaland.
Sir,
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) is gravely concerned at the lax enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Nagaland and the subsequent suspension of ILP in Dimapur District (erstwhile), as per order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023.
The NSF and its Federating Units have been steadfastly engaged in the verification of ILP holders in various districts of the Nagaland state and across the Naga homeland. It is with profound concern that we observe the insufficient implementation of the ILP, allowing an alarming influx of illegal immigrants to emerge as the most significant demographic threat to our indigenous population.
The ILP, a testament to its 150-year existence, has been instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling the entry of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, over the past several decades, successive governments have struggled to execute the ILP diligently, leading to a surge in illicit activities that endanger our unique identity and culture.
The ILP is not merely a document; it is a safeguard for the interests of our indigenous inhabitants. Yet, it requires not just a document but a resolute government, led by honest leaders, supported by an honest bureaucracy, and backed by an honest public. The failure to achieve this synergy has allowed the ILP enforcement to falter and illicit activities to thrive.
The exclusion of Dimapur District (erstwhile) from the ILP regime, as indicated by the suspension order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023, has created a perilous haven for illegal immigrants. Dimapur, as a melting pot overrun by individuals with questionable identities, poses a grave threat not only to Nagaland but also to the North Eastern hills. Our identity, culture, and very survival are at stake, with the potential for societal destruction looming large. The limited size and population of the Naga homeland make it ill-equipped to handle such an overwhelming threat, risking the transformation of our people into refugees in our homeland.
It is disheartening to note that despite the NSF’s written representation to your office on October 20, 2023, urging effective ILP implementation in the state, the government has failed to take the necessary actions. This communication was a plea for the preservation of our identity and cultural heritage.
In furtherance of our commitment, the NSF conducted an ILP Verification drive on February 27 and 28, 2024, with the aim of collecting data on the inflow of illegal immigrants and ILP defaulters. The results were alarming, with 637 defaulters detected and prevented from entering the ILP Zone. Most shockingly, a significant number of these defaulters were unaware of the ILP requirement, underscoring the government’s failure to create awareness.
Moreover, the district administration’s failure to effectively implement the ILP, despite its extension to Dimapur (erstwhile) on December 9, 2019, and its subsequent suspension, is a cause for grave concern. This negligence has perpetuated the vulnerability of our homeland to external threats.
Even with the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on the implementation of ILP in the areas of Dimapur (erstwhile) district, the Committee has failed to submit its report within the stipulated three months, as per the notification in No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023.
In light of the aforementioned issues, the Naga Students’ Federation demands the following immediate and decisive action from the popular government of the day:
Revocation of Suspension Order: Revoke suspension order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023, and bring Dimapur (erstwhile i.e., Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland) under the ILP regime within 30 days from the date of this official communication and establish all necessary mechanisms promptly.
ILP Monitoring Cells: Establish ILP Monitoring Cells at Dimapur Railway station, Dimapur Airport, and all entry/exit points to Nagaland state to ensure effective enforcement and prevent illegal entries.
Stringent Implementation in All District Headquarters: Effectively implement the ILP regime in all District Headquarters comprehensively and without delay, safeguarding the interests of our indigenous population.
Improvement of Legal Processes for ILP Defaulters: Enhance the legal process and take decisive action against ILP defaulters to deter future violations and strengthen the ILP enforcement framework.
Awareness Campaigns: Launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the state.
These demands are not just a plea but a fervent call to protect our identity, culture, and the very essence of the Naga homeland. We firmly believe that with your esteemed office’s intervention and the commitment of the government, we can overcome this looming threat and secure the future of our people.
The Federation looks forward to a prompt and positive response to these urgent concerns.
Yours’ sincerely,
(MEDOVI RHI)
President
(CHUMBEN KHUVUNG)
General Secretary