The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima and submitted a representation on some of the pressing issues as well as highlighted some of the forthcoming activities of the federation.
The NSF delegation led by its President Medovi Rhi sought the immediate and effective intervention of the Chief Minister on revamping the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx of illegal immigrants and to take decisive action to eliminate backdoor appointments.
On ILP and influx of illegal immigrants
The NSF in its representation said that the ILP in its 150-year existence has been instrumental in regulating tourist flow and controlling the entry of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, it said, successive governments have struggled to execute the ILP diligently over the past several decades, leading to a surge in illicit activities that endanger Naga unique identity, culture and demography.
The NSF noted that 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,” it said.
In light of the aforementioned issues, the NSF requested the chief minister’s immediate intervention on revocation of suspension order No.CON-3/PAP/65/10 dated June 2, 2023, by bringing Dimapur district (erstwhile) under the ILP regime; establishment of ILP Monitoring Cells at Dimapur Railway station, Dimapur Airport, and all entry/exit points to Nagaland state; stringent implementation of ILP regime in all District Headquarters; and launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate all communities residing in Nagaland and beyond about the mandatory requirement of the ILP for entry into the state.
“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,” it added.
On backdoor appointments
The NSF extended its sincere appreciation to the chief minister for his commitment to meritocracy and transparency by establishing the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) for the recruitment of Grade III posts.
“This progressive step underscores your dedication to fostering a fair and just selection process, ensuring that deserving candidates are given the opportunities they rightfully merit,” the NSF observed.
However, despite this commendable initiative, the Federation lamented that there remains a prevalent issue of backdoor appointments within various government departments.
The NSF said that it has uncovered numerous discrepancies through its RTI campaign that suggest “a continuation of this practice, undermining the integrity of our administrative system.” In this regard, the NSF urged the chief minister to take decisive action to eliminate these backdoor appointments.
“Instituting stringent measures to ensure compliance with established recruitment protocols will not only reinforce the NSSB’s efforts but also our confidence in your government’s commitment to justice and transparency,” the NSF said.
It expressed optimism that under the chief minister’s leadership, the “aspirations of Nagaland’s youth will be upheld, fostering a future where merit and fairness are the cornerstones of our state’s employment policies.”
“We trust in your visionary leadership to address these critical concerns with the urgency and dedication they deserve,” the NSF said in the representation, adding that chief minister’s intervention “will not only safeguard the interests of the people of Nagaland but also ensure a brighter and more secure future for the next generations,” the Federation stated.
Meanwhile, the chief minister took to X to acknowledge the NSF, expressing happiness to meet the 2023-2025 office bearers of NSF, the largest students’ representative body of the Naga people. “I laud the Federation for their dedication and playing a significant role towards the aspirations of the youth. Best wishes for a successful tenure,” he wrote.