In a consultative meeting held at Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima, on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton reaffirmed the Nagaland government’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration and enhancing the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. The meeting, attended by senior officials, police, and civil society leaders, aimed to safeguard the state’s demographic balance and cultural identity while managing non-resident entry.
Patton emphasized the difference between illegal immigration and the ILP framework, stating, “The ILP regulates legal entry into Nagaland, while illegal immigration poses a separate threat.” He highlighted the importance of Dimapur as a transit point and noted that since January, 93 illegal immigrants have been arrested, with 43 apprehended in August alone.
The state’s ILP Implementation Committee, led by Patton, has submitted its report, and the government is expected to make a decision soon after consultations with apex civil society organizations. Patton urged patience, calling for public cooperation in tackling the issue.
During the meeting, State DGP Rupin Sharma assured attendees that efforts to improve ILP monitoring were underway, including an online application system. Civil society groups expressed urgency in enforcing the ILP in Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts, warning of potential identity crises if left unchecked.
