Kohima: The Inner Line Regulation Commission-Naga Students Federation is hosting a two-day seminar on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. The event runs August 28 and 29 at the Dimapur Town Hall. It marks the first gathering of its kind in the Naga homeland. NSF President Mteisuding Heraang and ILRC-NSF Chairperson Senchumo NSN Lotha announced the project during an August 22 press conference.
The NSF created the commission in December 2024 to fix gaps in the state Inner Line Permit regime. Heraang argued that current enforcement is merely on paper. He contends that this laxity shifts economic control away from indigenous people. The group wants a centralized, independent authority to replace current temporary checks. “If this Inner Line Pass system is implemented in letter and spirit, it will become the economic life jacket of the Naga people,” Heraang said.
The seminar will compare Nagaland to neighboring states. Day one examines enforcement in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, led by Professor Dr. Ch Priyoranjan Singh and Professor Nani Bath. The second day features a case study on Mizoram by Dr. Lallianchhunga. Supreme Court lawyers Prashant Bhushan and Shomona Khanna will discuss fundamental rights and protections for hill tribes. Professor Shantanu Chakravarty will provide an external perspective.
The state government is expected to respond through the Nagaland Home Commissioner. K Elu Ndang, Paukizonne Mariam, Dr. Ngiplon Rachel Chohwanglim, and Ariben will moderate the sessions. Supreme Court advocates Ashhab Ahmed Khan and Astha Saxena will attend as observers. The organizers hope the event clears public confusion and forces a shift in how the state manages the permit.
Comments