Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Urges Balanced ILP Policy to Safeguard Indigenous Rights

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressed the media on Thursday, urging the state and central governments to adopt a balanced approach to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime. He highlighted that while the ILP is intended to safeguard the cultural and demographic integrity of tribal areas, its current implementation often hampers the legitimate movement of people and trade.

Rio stressed that any revision of the policy must protect the constitutional rights of indigenous Nagas while ensuring that security concerns are not compromised. He called for a consultative process involving tribal leaders, civil society and relevant ministries to draft guidelines that reflect both development needs and cultural preservation.

The chief minister also warned that an overly restrictive ILP could fuel discontent among the youth and affect the state's tourism and investment prospects. He appealed to the Union Home Ministry to consider his recommendations in upcoming policy reviews.

No immediate changes were announced, but Rio said the state government would submit a detailed proposal to the centre within weeks.