Faculty and students during the discourse on the BEFR 1873 and ILP at the GK Auditorium on September 16.
Chümoukedima, September 17 (MExN): The Department of Political Science, C-Edge College, Chümoukedima, organised a post-seminar knowledge-sharing and discussion session on “A Discourse on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873: Understanding the Legal Foundations of Inner Line Permit (ILP)” at the GK Auditorium on September 16.
The academic discourse brought together faculty and students to examine the historical origins, constitutional dimensions and contemporary relevance of the Inner Line Permit system in Nagaland.
Delivering the opening address, Principal Emeritus Dr Chubatola Aier emphasised the importance of understanding the historical and legal foundations of contemporary institutions, particularly when the continued relevance of a colonial-era regulation and the potential misuse of its provisions are questioned.
She said such regulatory provisions should be implemented efficiently and beneficially so that people could not only survive but also be empowered towards sustainability and growth.
Principal of C-Edge College Dr Moameren Pongen traced the historical origins of BEFR 1873 and discussed the continued relevance and adaptation of the Inner Line system. His presentation focused on indigenous rights and identity, regulation of migration and movement, and the need to balance development with local interests.
Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science, Duvolu Rhakho, addressed the constitutional dimensions of ILP, particularly with reference to Articles 19(5) and 371A.
She explained the regulatory nature of ILP and highlighted the need for a more streamlined mechanism that could facilitate economic interaction and investment while safeguarding indigenous rights. She also highlighted the different categories of ILPs, including a category intended to be student-friendly.
The discussion also featured perspectives from Solunto, Assistant General Secretary, CECSF, and Tiawala, BA fifth-semester student, who brought social and student perspectives to the discourse. An interactive question-and-answer session followed the presentations.
The discourse provided an academic platform for students and faculty to critically examine the historical evolution, legal foundations and contemporary significance of BEFR 1873 and the ILP system.
Participants also discussed concerns that enforcement of ILP could become a source of harassment or corruption. It was observed that such instances would constitute misuse of the system and should be strictly curtailed.
Questions concerning whether ILP infringes upon the “right to travel” and “right to reside” under Article 19 were also discussed. It was clarified during the discourse that Article 19 itself provides for “reasonable restrictions” that can be imposed by the state government.
The discussion also underlined that ILP is a constitutional issue rather than a civilisational one.
The programme concluded with remarks by C-Edge College President Er Moa Aier, who highlighted the significance of the ILP regime in relation to Nagaland’s distinctive constitutional position under Article 371A.
He said the ILP system currently in effect in Nagaland should be protected and used as a tool for positive development rather than as an obstacle. He also said Nagaland could use the ILP system to make visitors feel welcomed rather than discouraged.
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