Nagaland: Implement ILP regime in Dimapur dist, demands DNSU

Dimapur: The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) demanded implementation of the inner line permit (ILP) regime in Dimapur, Nagaland, pointing out that there is no effective mechanism to check the influx of illegal immigrants into the district despite assurances from home minister Y Patton in this regard.

The DNSU, in a release dated September 2, said Dimapur is the only district which is not covered by the ILP since Nagaland got statehood in 1963, leading to unprecedented illegal migration.

Urging the state government to implement ILP in the district, it said a representation was also submitted to the chief minister, chief secretary and Dimapur deputy commissioner in this regard.

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The DNSU said it would collect data on the non-local populace in Dimapur district in the interest of the Nagas.

Recalling that the state government had extended the ILP regime to Dimapur district on December 9, 2019, much to the jubilation of the local populace and civil society organisations in the district, the union pointed out that the district is currently controlled by outsiders with 90% of the businesses under the non-indigenous communities.

It said the ILP was the assurance given by the then Indian government under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations 1873 that the indigenous people would not be exploited by non-locals.

The union added that the powers conferred under Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 empower the government to extend ILP in the entire state of Nagaland.

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“Nagaland state is unique in the sense that it is not borne out of any ascension/merger agreement but came into being because of political necessity although rejected by the majority of the Nagas,” the DNSU said.

It also sought to allay the fears of the non-Naga communities who are settled in Dimapur.

“We are not against any community settled in Dimapur. We assure no persecution of any non-locals. We wish to live in peace and harmony,” the union added.