DIMAPUR, MAY 17 (MExN): Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), held a consultative meeting on May 16 to deliberate on the proposed indefinite shutter-down called by CNCCI, the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur, and the redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class facility.
The meeting, held at the NCD Office, was chaired by NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon. Participants included representatives from the DUCCF, GB Union (Sadar), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Business Association of Nagas (BAN), Dimapur District GB Association, East Dimapur Business Association, DCCI, and NCD councillors.
Support for CNCCI cause
Briefing the house on the ongoing agitation, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) had announced an indefinite shutter-down across nine districts to protest the exclusion of Dimapur from Urban Local Bodies (ULB) representations. While Kohima and Mokokchung were included, Dimapur — the state’s commercial hub — was left out, they claimed.
While the CSOs expressed solidarity with the CNCCI’s demand, they urged the confederation to consider alternative forms of protest that would not unduly burden the general public. The meeting agreed to await the outcome of the ongoing talks between CNCCI and the state government before taking further action.
Call for effective ILP enforcement
On the issue of Inner Line Permit enforcement, the CSOs expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in implementing ILP in Dimapur and adjoining areas. The house acknowledged the efforts of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), DNSU, and tribal student bodies in submitting action plans to the state government.
Most members agreed on December 1, 1963 as the cut-off year for ILP implementation. It was resolved that the NCD would coordinate with the Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) and other stakeholders to pursue the issue. The house also welcomed the creation of the Enforcement Directorate by the state government for effective ILP monitoring.
Flag slow progress in Dimapur Railway Station redevelopment
On the proposed redevelopment of the Dimapur Railway Station into a word class railway station, the CSOs appreciated the state government and Railway authorities for initiating the project. While highlighting the January meeting decision that redevelopment work would commence in March 2025, starting with areas free from encumbrances, they flagged the current pace of work as “extremely slow and negligible.”
The NCD was authorised to submit representations to the North-East Frontier Railway (NFR) and the state government, seeking expedited progress and resolution of land-related issues, including compensation and encroachment. CSOs reaffirmed their support for the project and urged public cooperation for its timely completion.
