Published by Aloto Naga | July 5, 2025
PIL Filed in Gauhati High Court Against ILP in Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima
Dimapur, July 4: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Gauhati High Court opposing the recent implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the Dimapur region, specifically covering the districts of Niuland and Chümoukedima—formerly part of greater Dimapur.
The case was filed by petitioners Uttam Bathari from Guwahati and Kangthim Ronghang alongside Sarklim Bey, both residents of Karbi Anglong. They argued that the extension of ILP beyond its original boundaries into these areas infringes upon the rights of long-standing settlers and original inhabitants.
As per court documents dated June 26, 2025, the High Court directed that a notice be issued to the respondents—including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the state governments of Nagaland and Assam—returnable within six weeks. The court also noted that all respondents were already represented, so no formal notices were required.
The court further directed the petitioners’ legal counsel to submit the necessary documents and list the respondents for the matter to be taken up within the stipulated timeframe.
According to Pratidin Time, Dr. Uttam Bathari claimed that the ILP, once limited to designated areas in Nagaland, has now been unilaterally expanded to encompass the entire Dimapur zone. He warned that this move would significantly affect indigenous populations who have historically lived and moved freely in these areas.
ILP Enumeration Process Underway
In a parallel development, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur has initiated the population categorization process as per the ILP framework. Identification of residents is being carried out to classify individuals under Category I and Category II.
The process has been activated with immediate effect. Required forms for the exercise will be available at the ILP administrative cell situated within the office of the DC Dimapur.
