Members of Angami Public Organisation and its frontal bodies along with the Naga Students’ Federation representatives during a coordination meeting on Inner Line Regulation in Kohima on Nv 19. (Photo Courtesy: NSF-ILRC)
Kohima, November 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today held a coordination meeting with the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and its frontal bodies to discuss measures for strengthening Inner Line Regulation (ILR) in Nagaland.
According to a release from the NSF’s Inner Line Regulation Committee (ILRC), the meeting was convened as part of its ongoing campaign to improve enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and address concerns regarding the unchecked influx of non-indigenous individuals into the State.
Addressing the meeting, APO President Theja-o Vihienuo emphasised the need for collective efforts in safeguarding the identity and demographic balance of indigenous communities.
Chairing the meeting, NSF-ILRC member K Andrew Yhome provided an overview of the campaign.
In his keynote remarks, NSF President Mteisuding said gaps in implementation continue to affect the effectiveness of the ILP regime and pointed out that stronger mechanisms are essential for the protection of land and the rights of the Naga people.
NSF-ILRC Chairman NSN Lotha also urged the State Government to act on recommendations submitted by the NSF, including establishing ILP checkpoints at Dimapur Airport and Dimapur Railway Station, identified as key entry points into the State. He also called for stricter monitoring and enforcement.
Speaking on behalf of the APO, the President informed that it had constituted a Core Committee on ILP to address concerns related to ILR more systematically.
While extending its cooperation to the NSF’s initiative, he stressed the necessity of youth empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities so that dependency on migrant labour can be significantly reduced. This, he said, could address the root causes of the increasing inflow of migrant workers.
The Angami Women Organisation (AWO), represented by its President Neithono R. Sothu, also expressed full support and cooperation for the ILR initiative, reaffirming the role of Naga women in community vigilance and social responsibility.
Similarly, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) President, Diezevisie Nakhro, lauded the NSF for taking proactive steps to curb the influx of illegal immigrants into the Naga homeland. He reiterated ASU’s commitment to extend full cooperation in the collective effort to preserve the identity, culture and security of the indigenous populace.
The meeting concluded with participating bodies expressing their commitment to continued coordination on ILP-related concerns, the release added.
