Dimapur, July 25 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation – Inner Line Regulation Commission (NSF-ILRC) has issued a caution against misuse of the guarantor system under the Inner Line Pass (ILP) regime in Nagaland, asserting that those who serve as guarantors bear a serious public duty and must be held accountable.
The NSF-ILRC reminded all indigenous Nagas that any ILP applicant entering Nagaland under categories such as trader, labourer, teacher or priest must be sponsored by a local guarantor, who is expected to assure their good conduct. It stated that under the new online and offline ILP system, every guarantor must register on the portal and verify each application through an OTP on their phone, making them fully accountable for the individuals they vouch for.
The NSF-ILRC urged Nagas to approach this role with utmost integrity and to vouch only for people they know personally and who have a genuine reason to be in the state. It warned against treating the guarantor process as a source of profit and revealed that it had received information about certain guarantors accepting bribes to sponsor illegal immigrants, fake traders and unverified outsiders. The statement said that extorting money or favours in exchange for ILP sponsorship undermines the entire purpose of the ILP system and asserted that such abuse would not be tolerated.
The NSF-ILRC demanded that the Government of Nagaland and law enforcement agencies impose fines and initiate prosecution against unlawful guarantors. It stated that the Commission would work with authorities to identify and report anyone attempting to bypass ILP regulations or charge illegal fees, and declared that the sanctity of the ILP system would be defended.
It also highlighted concerns over a potential influx of illegal immigrants into Nagaland following recent eviction drives in Assam. It expressed support for the Government of Nagaland’s July 21 directive to all Deputy Commissioners to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent any potential influx of illegal immigrants, which the government had described as crucial for maintaining law and order and safeguarding the demographic integrity of the state.
The NSF-ILRC noted that civil society groups had also raised similar concerns, warning that evicted persons from Assam could attempt to enter Nagaland illegally. It called upon citizens and officials to remain alert at check-posts and other entry points, and stressed that any stranger arriving without a valid ILP must be reported for proper verification.
It called upon village councils, town leaders and tribal bodies to conduct awareness drives about ILP rules and the consequences of non-compliance, and to inform the public—especially youth and students—about the dangers of soliciting or accepting money in exchange for ILP sponsorship.
Landlords were advised to verify their tenants and to make it mandatory in their colonies or villages that any non-Naga must present a valid ILP.
The NSF-ILRC urged the Government to strengthen border checkpoints and ensure immediate action against any ILP violation. It repeated its earlier proposal for a dedicated ILP monitoring cell in every district.
The Commission also called on all citizens to stay vigilant and to report any person found without a valid ILP, as well as any extortion racket involving ILP sponsorship. It provided contact details for reporting violations—via email at ilrc.nsf@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 8413899928—and assured that all reports would be kept strictly confidential and the identities of informants would not be disclosed.
