In the interest of the public, the NSF would like to make it known to one and all that the Inner Line Pass, which is the executive phrase of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, was introduced in the Naga Hills effective by 1st November 1873, by the British Colonial Government, as a regulation empowered by the Queen Victoria Act of 1870. The British brought forth this regulation to protect the unique tradition and culture as well as the land and its economy of the Nagas, while also trying to protect the British subjects in the plains from the onslaught of the Nagas. With this focus, the British administrators stringently enforced the ILP during its rule.
Since the late 1970s till today, the NSF has been championing the judicious implementation of the ILP. Several memorandums were submitted to the government of Nagaland pressing for strict enforcement. Unfortunately, the new borne state of Nagaland, continuing up to this day, could not safeguard the Protective Legacy of the British bestowed love for the Naga people in the guise of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873. This has resulted to unabated influx of outsiders, both legal and illegal, into Nagaland so much so that, superficially, Nagaland today, unlike Mizoram, does not look like it belongs to the Naga people. Although, the British gave the same protective weapon (ILP) to both the Nagas and the Mizos, and while the Mizos could use it effectively to their utmost advantage, yet, the Nagas have failed to used it. Therefore, evident result is obviously the opposite that when almost all the shops in Mizoram are owned by the Mizo people, almost all the shops in Nagaland are owned by non-Nagas.
Taking benefits of the saying ‘Better Late Than Never’ the Naga people must urgently heed to the warning bell which has been ringing for a long time. The Naga people should collectively safeguard their culture and take back the control of their own economy which is in the hands of outsiders. Many Nagas are already slaves of outsiders and soon the remaining will follow. The ILP is the best means to achieve Economic Emancipation and break free from economic imperialism. The Government of the day also must accept its share of negligence which has led the Naga people into this situation. A strong Political Will augmented by Strong Public Collaboration is the best solution to the crisis in hand.
The NSF, in consideration of all aspects leading to fruitful implementation of the ILP, has come out with the following points of appeal to the Nagaland Government:
1. Centralised Database System: The Inner Line Pass (ILP) issued to outsiders entering Nagaland must be stored in a single central location. This will ensure ease of access, consistency and improved security for any outsiders entering Nagaland with vested interest. In this regard, the NSF appeal to the Government of Nagaland (GoN) to establish a Centralised Database System for maintaining data consistency in the issue of ILP.
2. New Establishments and Strengthening of ILP Check Points: The porous Nagaland borders with Assam is posing a big challenge to the implementation of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in the state or Nagaland. The GoN must take cognisance of this issue and establish new check points wherever necessary and also re-strengthen the existing check points. Establishment of new check points must include establishment of ILP issuing office and check points at the Dimapur Raily Station and Dimapur Airport.
3. Creation of a Separate ILP Enforcement Wing: The monitoring system after the issue of ILP is very shallow. Every ILP is issued with specific purpose and once the purpose is met and the period of ILP is over, the ILP holders, if not extended, are supposed to go out of the Inner Line demarcation and apply for fresh ILP if felt necessary to enter Nagaland again. If such adherence is not done, then the ILP holder (s) becomes a defaulter(s). A systematic checking is required in this aspect. Many a time, the onus of such responsibility is taken up voluntarily by various students’ unions which often results in conflicts with the implementing agencies of the Government. Therefore, the NSF request the GoN to create a separate ILP Enforcement Wings in all the district headquarters.
4. Sensitisations of the Implementing Department and its Field Personnel: A thorough in-depth knowledge of the provisions of the BEFR 1873 is essential for the judicious enforcement by the implementing agencies. The limitations and the exemptions of the ILR must be in the fingertips of the implementing agencies. Over the years, due to various reasons, implementing system and its agencies appears to be ignorant over the methods of application of the ILR. The NSF requests the GoN to organise sensitisation programmes to ensure that there are no loopholes in the process oof implementation of the ILR.
5. Transparency in the Collection of ILP Fees: Ever since the grant of statehood, the enforcement of the Inner Line Regulation (ILR) has been in vogue. Fees and fines are being collected and levied for ILP and its defaulters. The NSF would like to request the GoN to declare to the public the amount of money collected from the enforcement of ILR. up to date, and also the utilisation of the money generated from ILP.
6. Change in the ILP fee Payment Method: In order to bring about transparent and accountable system in the payment and collection of ILP fees, the NSF would like to request the GoN to open a separate account for ILP fees and also introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) mode of payment for the same. As far as possible, cash transaction should be avoided. Further, the money generated from ILP fees should be specifically used for infrastructural augmentation like setting up of detention centres and deportations thereof. The NSF also suggest that some portion of this money be used for under-privileged Naga students.
7. Ease in Issue of Inner Line Pass (ILP): The NSF feels that no Indian citizens having valid universally accepted document should be debarred from being granted ILP as long as the purposed for which the entry is being sought is scrutinised and found genuine. In this regard, the NSF suggest that valid Adhar Card or EPIC should be the only basic criteria for documental qualification for issuance of ILP.
8. Scrutunisation of Purpose: The purpose for which the entry is being sought must be thoroughly scrutinised and an ILP should be issued only if the purpose is found genuine.
9. Severity of Penalty for Defaulters: It must be understood that more than hundred and fifty years back, the penalty for an ILP defaulter was put at a minimum of Rs 100/- to a maximum of Rs. 500/-The value of this penalty amount in today context will be tremendously high. This speaks for itself the severity with which the defaulters were exacted a fine during the colonial regime. Therefore, the penalty for ILP defaulter should not be less than Rs. 5000/- to a maximum of Rs. 25000/- for the first offence and for consecutive offense, the amount should be increased in any fold as deemed fit.
10. No Renewal of ILP: The ILP issued to outsiders entering Nagaland should not be renewed at any cost. It can be only extended to the maximum of two times depending on the circumstances and further extension should not be allowed. On the expiry of the period, the ILP holder(s) must compulsorily leave the Inner Line Area and apply for a fresh ILP if so required.
11. Trade License: Trade license issued to ILP holders must be reviewed. Specific criteria should be laid down and must be strictly adhered before trade license is issued to ILP holders. Trade Licence should be given only to specific category and not to the general ILP holders.
12. Nagaland Inner Line Regulation Commission (NILRC) The NSF call for Constitution of an autonomous Inner line Regulation Commission at par with other autonomous state commissions which must be empowered with all matters concerning the enforcement of the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873.
The Naga Students’ Federation calls upon all Naga people to join the movement for meaningful and effective enforcement of ILP in the state of Nagaland by streamlining the above appeal made to the Government of Nagaland so that the younger generation can inherit a state where the stake holders can determine their own future firmly rooted upon the native people culture, traditions and socio-economic fabrics.
Sd/- Chairman and Members,
ILRC, NSF.