NSF condemns state govt’s inaction to revoke June 3 ILP suspension order

KOHIMA, MARCH 27 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the inaction of the State Government to act on the 30-day period timeframe given for revocation of the order suspending the Inner Line Permit (ILP). It has urged the government for immediate action to rectify the situation. 

The suspension order, issued on June 2, 2023, for the erstwhile Dimapur district, encompassing Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, directly impacts the interests and cultural integrity of the Naga people, the Federation said on Thursday. 

Reiterating its previous representation to the Chief Secretary on February 28, 2024, the NSF articulated the urgent need for immediate action to safeguard the indigenous population's interests and uphold the cultural fabric of the Naga homeland. Despite these pleas, the state government has failed to take decisive measures to address our demands, it stated. 

The NSF also reiterated the critical importance of stringent ILP enforcement across the state, emphasizing the establishment of monitoring cells at vital entry points, including Dimapur railway station, Dimapur airport, and all entry/exit points to Nagaland. Additionally, we emphasized the necessity for robust ILP enforcement in all district headquarters to protect the rights of indigenous inhabitants, it added. 

“It is essential to emphasize that these demands are not mere requests but a resolute call to protect the very essence of the Naga homeland. The ILP system serves as a vital safeguard for indigenous inhabitants, requiring a government committed to honesty, transparency, and accountability,” the Federation pointed out. 

With the expiration of the 30-day deadline, the NSF has called upon all federating units to “remain vigilant and prepared for any necessary course of action in response to the State Government's inaction.”

Further, the Federation appealed to all the stakeholders and the Naga public in general to kindly “render their support and cooperation in this noble crusade to secure a definite future for the Naga people.” 

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of the Naga people and ensuring the preservation of our homeland's integrity,” it further maintained.