Naga Students’ Federation proposes ILP commission to curb illegal immigration in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Naga Student’s Federation (NSF) has proposed the creation of an independent Inner Line Permit (ILP) Commission to address the growing issue of illegal immigration in Nagaland.

In a representation to the state’s Chief Secretary on Tuesday, the NSF expressed concern over the “unabated inflow of illegal immigrants into the Naga homeland” despite the existing ILP system being extended to include Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts.

The NSF stated that this influx threatens the unique identity, culture, demographic balance, and security of the Naga homeland. While acknowledging the ILP’s historical role in regulating entry and protecting indigenous communities, the federation pointed out that the state has witnessed a “significant lapse” in its recent implementation.

“The influx of illegal immigrants has strained the social fabric of our society and raised questions about the future safety, security, and cohesion of our communities. The situation demands decisive action that transcends routine administrative measures, recognising the urgency and magnitude of the threat posed”, read the representation.

The NSF’s proposed the establishment of a dedicated ILP Commission within six months in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a collaborative and sustainable approach. This independent body would hold the responsibility of enforcing a comprehensive and robust system to monitor, manage and strictly enforce ILP regulations across all districts. The commission’s mandate would also include reviewing and refining existing protocols, increasing community involvement in monitoring and reporting, and coordinating efforts with local and regional authorities, it said.

“This ILP Commission should serve as a specialised body with a singular focus, working in coordination with local and regional authorities to address the issue at its core. It should also facilitate greater community involvement in monitoring and reporting, providing the commission with timely insights to enhance its operational effectiveness”, the NSF stated.

Along with this, it also proposed empowering village councils to withhold Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC) and other legal documents from illegal immigrants to “prevent unauthorised adoption into local communities.” It further stated that the commission should promote community awareness to encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity, in collaboration with law enforcement.

“We believe that the establishment of an independent ILP Commission is not just timely but essential to preserving the identity, security, and integrity of our homeland”, it added.