Nagaland extends Inner Line Permit to three more districts amid influx concerns

The Nagaland government has decided to introduce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in three districts to manage the entry of non-indigenous people. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The ILP will now be enforced in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts.

Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along explained that until now, the ILP was not applicable in Dimapur. Dimapur was divided into three districts in 2021 and acts as a key business hub in the state, sharing its border with Assam.

According to the minister, individuals who are not from Nagaland need the ILP to visit these areas. There are three categories of non-Naga residents in Dimapur. Categories I and II do not require an ILP. Category I includes those who settled in Dimapur before December 1, 1963. These individuals will be provided with a smart card facility and may avail of a permanent residence certificate (PRC) and domicile certificate. Category II covers individuals who settled between December 1, 1963, and November 21, 1979, and they will receive permanent residence certificates with an option for domicile certificates. Category III includes those who settled on or after November 22, 1979.


The minister also mentioned, "Certain categories such as students, teachers, technical personnel, and businessmen who are investing in the state should be provided ILP for a longer duration of 2-5 years at a time."

The ILP is enforced under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873 to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people of Nagaland. It requires both Indian citizens and foreigners who are non-indigenous to obtain an ILP to enter the state for a specific period.

This move follows demands from various organizations and a deadline set by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) for the government to extend the ILP to the three districts, especially after political unrest in Bangladesh.