A written petition has been lodged with the Supreme Court seeking measures from the Centre and Nagaland’s government to safeguard the lives, property, and basic rights of non-Nagas residing in Dimapur, following the instigation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). This plea criticizes certain aspects of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, a regulation that grants extensive authority to a State to dictate ILP requirements.
A Historical Perspective: The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 and ILP
The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation was put into law by the British government in 1873 and has contrarily retained its relevance in contemporary India. The primary function of this regulation is to prohibit certain citizens of India from crossing a demarcated ‘Inner Line’ without acquiring a pass. Originally, it was utilized to create business monopolies by restricting civilian movement in selected districts. Nonetheless, in today’s India, it is officially employed to preserve tribal cultures found in the northeast regions of the country.
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) serves as an approved travel document issued by the Indian Government that authorizes an Indian citizen’s inbound travel into a designated protected area for a specified timeline.
Restrictions Imposed by ILP: A Look at Indigenous Identity Preservation
Under the ILP, there are stringent regulations on outsider entry with an aim to uphold the indigenous identity of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh inhabitants. Consequently, visitors are prohibited from purchasing property within these areas, and any entry by individuals deemed as outsiders is strictly forbidden unless they possess an ILP.
This document is issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, and the stipulations and constraints differ from one state to another.
Recent Developments: State Cabinet’s Decision on ILP in Dimapur
| State | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | Extension of the operation of the 1873 Regulation in Dimapur | Recent |
The Nagaland State Cabinet recently decided to expand the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, provision in Dimapur. As a result, non-Nagas who own land, operate commercial shops, warehouses, etc., and those living as tenants stand to be severely impacted. Similarly, local residents who rely on rental income from these tenants would also suffer adverse effects.
Discrimination Concerns: Non-Nagas’ Status in Nagaland
This development has subsequently led to many non-Nagas being classified as outsiders by the Nagaland government, a move that has sparked racial discrimination debates. The situation brings into question the balance between preserving indigenous rights and cultures and ensuring equality and fairness for all Indian citizens regardless
of their ethnic backgrounds.
