DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): The Shree Marwari Samaj Dimapur has submitted a request to the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, urging consideration for non-Naga communities under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations.
The representation was submitted following a meeting held today between several organisations and the Dimapur DC. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj, Agarwal Samaj, Muslim Council Dimapur, Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Nagaland Bojpuri Samaj, Sikh Samaj, Dimapur Gorkha Union, Marwari Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Telegu Samaj, and Utkal (ORIA) Samaj.
The Shree Marwari Samaj, in its representation, pointed to its long-standing presence in the region, dating back to the 19th century, and underscored the community’s economic contributions to Nagaland.
In its letter, the organization acknowledged that the imposition of ILP in Dimapur was "considered in the best interest of Indigenous inhabitants of the state," but asserted that many non-Naga communities, including the Marwari community, have been residing in Nagaland for generations. "Like any other Citizens of Nagaland, we have equally suffered and witnessed the impasse during and before the Political Peace talks," the letter stated.
The group said that the non-Naga communities in Nagaland, largely comprising the business sector and working class, have consistently demonstrated their "Trust, faith and Love for Nagaland" by investing in and residing in the state through challenging times. It urged authorities to recognize their contributions and to grant them "equal respect and dignity" in the formulation of the final draft of ILP regulations.
The letter specifically requested that "Indian Citizens residing in Nagaland should be considered as citizens of Nagaland provided they can prove their Indian Citizenship and proof of their stay as Permanent residents of Nagaland with their names being found in voter list, at least in the District of Dimapur." Additionally, it sought recognition for the spouses of Dimapur residents, who often hail from different parts of India, asserting that they "should also have equal rights."
The organization also raised concerns regarding Dimapur’s porous boundaries, warning that "infiltration will be a regular problem and while frisking them normal genuine citizens will suffer unnecessarily." As a potential solution, it suggested a model similar to Shillong’s European Ward, advocating that "the Non Naga Permanent Citizens should have the rights to Purchase Land in the Municipal areas of Dimapur and any other rights like that of other respectable and legal Citizen of the State."
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