ILP to be Enforced in Newly Formed Districts
In a landmark decision, the Nagaland government has announced the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to the newly formed districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland. This move, aimed at tightening controls on illegal immigration, follows a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. State government spokesperson and minister Temjen Imna Along stated that the ILP system will now be applied to these districts, which were carved out of the larger Dimapur district in 2021.
Prior to this announcement, Dimapur was the only district in Nagaland where the ILP was not applicable, making it a hotbed for unchecked immigration. The extension of the ILP system is seen as a significant step in protecting the indigenous population of Nagaland and curbing illegal settlements along the state’s border with Assam.
Classification of Non-Naga Residents in Dimapur
As part of the ILP enforcement in Dimapur district, the government has introduced a classification system for non-Naga residents, categorizing them into three groups based on the year of settlement.
Category I: This group includes residents who settled in Dimapur on or before December 1, 1963, when Nagaland was granted full-fledged statehood. These individuals will be issued smart cards that can be used to obtain Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC) and Domicile Certificates.
Category II: Residents who settled in Dimapur between December 1, 1963, and November 21, 1979, fall under this category. They will be eligible for PRC and Domicile Certificates as per government policy.
Category III: People who settled in Dimapur after November 22, 1979, will be classified under this category. The status and rights of these individuals will be determined based on further government directives.
This classification system aims to ensure that non-Naga residents who have long been part of the Dimapur community are granted legal recognition, while also preventing further unchecked immigration.
Digitalization of the ILP System
In a bid to streamline the ILP process, the Nagaland government plans to introduce a digital system for issuing permits. Minister Temjen Imna Along emphasized that the new system would eliminate the need for middlemen and reduce the hassle of visiting government offices.
“The digital ILP system will make it easier for people to obtain permits directly, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process,” said Along. This initiative is expected to not only simplify the permit acquisition process but also strengthen government control over immigration into the state.
Furthermore, the government has proposed that ILPs for students, teachers, technical workers, and businesspersons investing in the state be issued for extended periods, ranging from two to five years. This is expected to promote long-term contributions to Nagaland’s development while maintaining the security of its indigenous population.
Historical Roots of the Inner Line Permit System
The ILP system in Nagaland stems from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, an act that was established to protect the identity and rights of indigenous people in the region. Under the BEFR, every non-Naga—whether Indian or foreign—is required to obtain an ILP before entering Nagaland for a limited period.
The regulation, which was originally implemented to restrict the movement of outsiders into tribal areas, has now become a critical tool in Nagaland’s efforts to preserve its cultural and demographic balance. The government’s decision to extend the ILP to Dimapur and surrounding districts reflects growing concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on the indigenous population.
Tribal Groups Push for ILP Extension
The decision to implement the ILP system in the new districts was also driven by mounting pressure from tribal groups and civil organizations in Nagaland. Several groups have long called for the ILP to be extended to Dimapur, citing the increasing influx of illegal immigrants and the resulting strain on local resources and infrastructure.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), a prominent student body, had issued a stern ultimatum to the government on September 4, demanding that the ILP be enforced in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland within 14 days. Failure to do so, the NSF warned, would be seen as a neglect of duty and a failure to protect the Naga people from the threat of illegal immigration.
“The delay in extending ILP to these districts will only exacerbate the crisis, as unchecked immigration continues to undermine the rights and identity of the Naga people,” an NSF spokesperson said in a recent statement. The group’s agitation reflects the broader sentiment among the indigenous population, who fear that their cultural and demographic fabric is being eroded.
Impact of the ILP on Cross-Border Immigration
The districts of Dimapur and Niuland share a border with Assam, making them vulnerable to cross-border immigration. Over the years, Dimapur has become a transit point for people entering Nagaland without proper documentation, leading to concerns about the unchecked growth of non-Naga settlements.
By enforcing the ILP in these key districts, the Nagaland government aims to regulate the flow of immigrants and ensure that only those with valid permits are allowed entry. This measure is expected to have a significant impact on controlling illegal immigration, particularly from neighboring countries such as Bangladesh.
A Step Toward Safeguarding Indigenous Identity
The decision to extend the Inner Line Permit system to Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland marks a crucial step in Nagaland’s efforts to safeguard its indigenous population from the pressures of illegal immigration. With a digital ILP system in the pipeline and classifications in place for long-term non-Naga residents, the government is moving toward a more structured and secure immigration policy.
While the implementation of ILP is expected to bring relief to tribal groups and civil organizations, the challenge lies in ensuring that the system is both effective and fair. As Nagaland moves forward with its plans, the hope is that this regulatory framework will strike a balance between protecting the rights of indigenous people and facilitating responsible migration into the state.
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