Amid rising concerns over illegal influx and misuse of entry regulations, the Naga Students’ Federation – Inner Line Regulation Commission (NSF-ILRC) has issued a strong public statement reaffirming the critical role of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in preserving Nagaland’s demographic stability, cultural identity, and socio-economic security. The Federation’s warning comes at a time when civil society organisations have flagged the potential fallout of eviction drives in neighbouring Assam, which could result in increased movement of undocumented individuals into Nagaland’s borders. Against this backdrop, the NSF-ILRC has called for unwavering vigilance from the public and stringent enforcement of the ILP framework.
The ILP, governed by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, mandates that all non-Naga individuals must obtain official permission to enter and reside in the state. The NSF-ILRC stressed that this is not a mere bureaucratic formality but a legal safeguard designed to protect the Naga way of life from being diluted by unchecked migration. “Unchecked entry of outsiders can threaten the Naga socio-economic fabric,” the statement warned, adding that failure to implement the ILP effectively could turn the Nagas into minorities within their own land.One of the central themes of the NSF-ILRC’s statement was the growing misuse of the guarantor system. Under current rules, every ILP applicant must be sponsored by a local Naga guarantor—often for employment purposes such as trading, teaching, or manual labour. The Federation emphasised that guarantors bear full responsibility for the conduct and presence of those they endorse.
Now that both online and offline ILP applications require OTP-based verification, the accountability of the guarantor has become legally binding. However, the NSF-ILRC condemned reports of guarantors engaging in malpractice—such as accepting bribes or sponsoring applicants with fake identities. “Turning the guarantor process into a business is a crime against our community,” the Federation asserted, calling on the State Government to levy strict penalties and pursue legal action against such offenders.The NSF-ILRC’s call coincides with an official directive issued by the Nagaland Government on July 21, which asked all Deputy Commissioners to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the state. This precautionary measure followed the eviction drives in parts of Assam, which may prompt displaced populations to move eastward into Nagaland.Fully backing the government’s directive, the NSF-ILRC has urged the general public to stay alert and report any unfamiliar individuals found without valid ILPs in their towns or villages. “Every citizen must act as a guardian of the state,” the Federation said.
