The Naga Students’ Federation’s Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) has issued a detailed clarification to counter a long-standing misconception regarding Inner Line Permit (ILP) rules for Nepali/Gorkha communities in Nagaland. According to the ILRC, Nepali and Gorkha citizens—whether Indian nationals or foreign citizens—are not exempt from obtaining an ILP to enter or reside in Nagaland. The Commission highlighted that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 mandates ILP requirements for all non-indigenous individuals within ILP-notified regions.
The only exemption applies to non-native residents who were settled in the Naga Hills before Nagaland achieved statehood in December 1963. The ILRC also clarified that the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 does not override domestic laws such as Article 371(A) and the BEFR. Therefore, Nepali citizens are required to comply with ILP regulations and broader Indian immigration norms.
The Commission urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and announced that surprise checks will be conducted across Nagaland to ensure strict compliance with ILP regulations.
