NSF turns up heat on ILP: Submits10-Point ILP memorandum to Chief Secretary

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 11

In a significant development aimed at strengthening the Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement in Nagaland, the Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) under the Nagaland Students’ Federation (NSF) has submitted its first 10-point memorandum to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland. 

Informing this at a press conference held this afternoon at its office at Solidarity Park, Kohima, NSF President, Medovi Rhi said it had resolved to constitute the ILRC during its 4th Federal Assembly held on December 4, 2024. 

“This extraordinary decisions stems from an urgent need to counter the unabated inflow of illegal immigrants into our homeland, an existential threat that has endangered our identity, culture and territorial rights,” said Rhi.

The five member ILRC is headed by Senchumo NSN Lotha as chairman, Kelhouneizo Yhome, Hukavi Tokheho Yepthomi, Imtiakum and Seve R. Vadeo as members.

The Commission, as Rhi informed will review and strengthen existing regulatory measures, monitor, assess and propose urgent legal and administrative reforms to fortify the protective barriers against this growing threat in close coordination with all stakeholder and civil organisations to build a robust resistance against illegal settlements.

While recognising that unregulated influx of illegal immigrants has reached a ‘crisis level’ threatening the demographic balance, cultural heritage and security of the Nagas, Rhi maintained that this ‘silent invasion’ has far-reaching consequences, economic exploitation, land alienation and political subversion that will irreversibly alter the future of the Nagas, if left unchecked.

Although ILP was enacted more than 150 years ago, he cited ‘political apathy and administrative failures’ which has allowed illegal immigrants to exploit loopholes, settle unlawfully and infiltrate Naga homeland, pushing the Nagas to the brink of demographic subjugation.

To this end, he appealed to all Nagas to rally behind this crusade in the ‘our’ fight for survival and unite to resist this existential threat before it is too late.

NSF officials and ILRC members during a press conference at Kohima on April 10.

‘Problems arise when guests start to act like hosts’

Highlighting in brief the 10-Point Memorandum submitted to the Chief Secretary on April 10, ILRC Chairman, NSN Lotha said, ILP issue is not a new concern for the student body as NSF has been championing this cause since 1979.

However, he also noted that over the decades, government enforcement has become lackadaisical riddled with loopholes leading it to a ‘cancerous’ issue.

Tracing the roots of ILP to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, Lotha reminded that the Act was designed for maintaining peace and good governance in Naga Hills those day. However, he lamented that states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh have merely facilitated ILP implementation without proper regimentation unlike Mizoram, which has successfully enforced it and have been able to control the economy of their own state. 

The memorandum, according to Lotha, emphasised that the state’s economy must be in the hands of its people, with stringent and well-regulated ILP system. 

He highlighted the key recommendations from the 10-Point Memorandum such as Centralisation of ILP Database, new establishments and strengthening of ILP checkpoints, creation of a dedicated ILP Enforcement Wing, transparent collection of ILP fees, stricter penalties, and no renewal of ILP among others.

“ILP is not for a permanent stay” emphasised Lotha while adding “we are not objecting anybody coming to Nagaland. We treat them as a guest, but the moment the guests try to behave like the host, problems starts from there.”

He expressed optimism regarding  the meeting with the Chief Secretary stating that he was highly responsive, was even more concerned than any other Nagas and also gave more inputs to the Commission and was optimistic that the suggestions will be seriously considered.

When asked on the biggest challenge in enforcing ILP effectively in Nagaland, Lotha said it’s ‘multi-faceted’ such as weak enforcement, lack of proper planning and public awareness and even ignorance among those people who come to Nagaland.

With today’s memorandum as a major step, which is not a ‘demand’ but ‘suggestions’ Lotha said ‘it is the beginning’ and that its future activities include plans to collaborate with civil society, tribal bodies, and visit to educational institutions to raise awareness on ILP regulations and ensure that ignorance is no longer an excuse for non-compliance.

Although the ILRC is still in its early phase with their first meeting held only on March 31, Lotha acknowledged the challenges ahead, however affirmed that it is prepared to meet them quoting “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

When asked what would happen if the memorandum remained shelved, the Chairman dismissed the idea. “I am very positive about it. I don’t want to even think that there is a room for an ‘if’” and assured that it will continue to engage and follow up with the government.