Disturbed about the uncontrolled inflow of illegal immigrants into the Naga homeland, Naga Students Federation leaders Mr. Medovi Rhi (President) and Mr. Chumben Khuvung (General Secretary) have formally demanded the Nagaland government to appoint an Independent Inner Line Permit (ILP) Commission. In a thorough presentation addressed to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, they emphasized the growing danger to the region's cultural identity, demographic balance, and security posed by this ongoing problem.
Acknowledging the governmentís praiseworthy move to include Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts under the ILP framework, the leaders stressed the urgent need for improved enforcement mechanisms. They pointed out that while the ILP system, with a legacy spanning over 150 years, was developed to control entry and protect native communities, its rigorous implementation has seriously diluted in recent years.
This setback, they argued, has allowed a continued and uncontrolled flow of illegal immigrants, testing the social fabric of the state and raising serious apprehensions about the future security and cohesion of its people.
To handle these challenges, the leaders recommended the creation of an Independent ILP Commission. They recommended that this body should be tasked with examining, refining, and strictly implementing ILP protocols to guarantee a strong monitoring system. They suggested that the process of forming the commission should be completed within six months through talks with all relevant Stakeholders.
The suggested commission would have a special focus on fighting illegal immigration by corresponding with local and regional authorities and involving community participation. The NSF leaders drafted three fundamental goals for the commission:
1. Stringent Enforcement of ILP Protocols: Assuring adherence across all districts and controlling unauthorized entry.
2. Empowerment of Village Councils: Allowing councils to withhold documents such as Permanent Residential Certificates (PRCs) from illegal immigrants, thereby controlling their integration into local communities.
3. Enhanced Community Alertness: Boosting public awareness and cooperation with law enforcement to observe and notify suspicious movements effectively.
The NSF leaders underlined that installing an independent ILP Commission is crucial to conserving Nagalandís identity, security, and cultural heritage. They voiced faith that such a move would strengthen the stateís ability to tackle illegal immigration while fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach.
The NSF leaders concluded with an appeal for prompt government action, emphasizing that the proposed measures are both timely and essential to addressing the urgent challenges faced by the Nagas. (NSF)