Nagaland: DNSU calls for transparency in ILP process

Dimapur: The Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) has called for transparency from the Nagaland government in the inner line permit (ILP) process.

In a press statement, the DNSU said despite a recent notice issued by the state government, there were no specific dates or deadlines provided for outsiders to apply, leaving the public unclear on the application procedures.

Voicing against reliance on online applications alone, the union stressed the need for stronger enforcement of paper applications.

It expressed serious concern over the lack of a robust enforcement system for the ILP Act in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts.

It said while the state government has taken commendable steps, including implementing the ILP following the historic cabinet meeting on September 11 and activating intensive checks on suspected illegal immigrants at various interstate entry points and check gates including Dimapur railway station, the DNSU has insisted that more needs to be done.

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The union, while acknowledging the challenges posed by limited manpower and resources for enforcement of the same in Dimapur, urged the Nagaland government to involve civil society organisations (CSOs) in the ILP enforcement process.

It proposed establishing a district task force that incorporates the CSOs from each district to support effective ILP implementation.

The DNSU voiced deep concern about their future and the potential influence of outsiders on their community.

It called for direct discussions on issues affecting indigenous people rather than yielding to external pressures.

It also urged the state government to form a dedicated committee or commission to oversee ILP implementation, citing fears that consultations with experts, NGOs, and relevant bodies have been overlooked, risking manipulation against the Naga people.

Emphasising that the ILP is designed to protect the indigenous Naga people, the DNSU flayed the current approach for prioritising the interests of outsiders.

The union also pointed out that the political parties in the past had included ILP implementation in their election manifestos, only to ignore it once in power.