Kohima: The Inner Line Regulation Commission of the Naga Students Federation is pushing back against claims that the Inner Line Permit is unconstitutional. Senior Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan recently challenged the permit as a violation of fundamental rights. The federation disagrees.
NSN Lotha, convener of the commission, addressed the controversy following a two-day seminar held at Town Hall, Dimapur. He argued that the permit serves as a regulatory formality rather than a barrier to entry. Lotha compared the requirement to a travel document. "It is just a simple pass to enter, it is not a permission to enter," he stated.
The federation aims to replace the current fragmented system with an independent commission created by an Act of the Assembly. Lotha noted that authority is currently spread across too many departments. This causes command and control complications. A new, unified body would streamline operations without exceeding powers granted by the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation.
Lotha maintained that Nagaland requires unique protections due to its historical and constitutional circumstances. He addressed Bhushan’s concerns regarding Article 19 of the Constitution by citing Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He argued that freedom is never absolute and always carries reasonable restrictions.
Beyond border control, the federation is eyeing the economic influence of outsiders. Lotha warned that non-Naga control over the state economy could lead to indirect political influence through campaign financing. He dismissed fears that strict enforcement hurts economic stability, pointing to the example of Mizoram.
Lotha also pushed for new laws to combat benami business ownership. He noted that the state assembly has failed to act on this issue. While Dimapur serves as the state’s primary commercial hub, the federation does not support a separate policy for the city. Instead, they want a consistent system that recognizes long-term residents. The federation intends to prioritize the creation of the autonomous commission as the primary focus of their ongoing campaign.
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