Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 20
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, today reaffirmed the Nagaland Government’s commitment to implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) across the State, citing the recent May 15 notification from the Office of the Commissioner and an earlier one issued by the Home Department on September 20, 2024.
The May 15 notification, issued a day after the State Cabinet resolved to strengthen ILP enforcement, announced the migration of the ILP system to an online platform while the September 20, 2024 notification had earlier extended ILP coverage to the districts of Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur.
In line with these developments, a consultative meeting was held at the DC’s Conference Hall in Dimapur on May 20.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr Chang said it was convened to brief community organisations about the government’s decision to proceed with ILP enforcement without delay and to address apprehension.
He described the interaction as “fruitful” and reiterated that the government is serious about implementing the ILP mechanism effectively.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various community organisations, including the Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj, Agarwal Samaj, Muslim Council Dimapur, Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, Sikh Samaj, Dimapur Gorkha Union, Marwari Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Telugu Samaj, and Utkal (Oriya) Samaj
Clarifying past developments, Dr Chang noted that the September 20 notificaiton, regarding ILP was kept in abeyance due to certain challenges but assured that the current initiative is firmly on track for implementation.
Accordingly, he urged communities to begin preparing necessary documents, especially for those seeking exemption, to ensure a smooth rollout once the official notification is issued.
A formal notification would be issued soon, the DC added, while queried on the timeline for implementation.
Regarding the mode of application, the DC informed that the ILP system would be entirely online as per government guidelines, and individuals would need to apply digitally.
On enforcement mechanisms, DC Tinojongshi acknowledged the challenges posed by porous borders in Dimapur but assured that the government has already issued directives for multi-departmental enforcement.
With support from community organisations and timely coordination, the administration aims to establish an ILP enforcement cell to oversee compliance, he maintained.
Addressing queries on the cut-off dates for exemption, the DC explained that two categories have been set—those residing in the state since before 1963 and those between 1963 and November 1979.
The first category will be issued Smart Cards, while the latter will receive PRCs.
He also highlighted those falling under "Category III"—would need to submit Smart Cards or Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC).
The issue of non-Naga indigenous residents who currently do not possess PRCs is under review, he informed.
The district administration is expected to take up the matter with the state government to explore the possibility of issuing PRCs to this group, enabling them to apply for exemption.
