KOHIMA, April 10: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a strong call for stricter enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Nagaland, citing growing threats to the socio-economic and political fabric of the indigenous Naga population due to the unchecked influx of non-Naga individuals.

In a press conference held in Kohima on Thursday, NSF President Medovi Rhi and Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) Chairman N.S.N. Lotha voiced concerns about the encroachment on local resources by outsiders. They warned that the growing presence of non-indigenous individuals in the state is affecting Naga identity and community welfare.

The NSF has submitted a memorandum to Nagaland Chief Secretary J. Alam, underscoring the importance of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873. The regulation was originally enacted to protect the indigenous communities of Nagaland and requires any person—Indian citizen or foreigner—seeking entry into the state to obtain an Inner Line Permit as prescribed by the state government.

The organisation expressed alarm over the increasing economic influence of non-Nagas, which it says could erode traditional livelihoods and manipulate political processes, including electoral funding. While acknowledging the state’s openness to non-locals, the NSF emphasised that such inclusivity must not come at the cost of state laws and the rights of the indigenous population.

The NSF criticised the current state of BEFR enforcement in Nagaland, labelling it insufficient when compared to the more rigorous implementation seen in neighbouring Mizoram. The student body believes that Nagaland’s comparatively relaxed approach has contributed to a significant influx of non-indigenous people, threatening the identity, land rights, and traditional economy of the Naga people.

In its memorandum, the NSF warned the state government that if immediate and decisive action is not taken, the indigenous Naga population risks becoming a minority in its own homeland. The organisation has urged the authorities to strengthen ILP enforcement mechanisms and ensure that the laws meant to protect indigenous rights are upheld without compromise.