DIMAPUR, June 29 - Several Naga organisations and political parties have objected to the filing of a PIL by one Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in the Supreme Court against the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to Dimapur.
In a press statement, the Naga Students� Federation (NSF) said that it is greatly offended and hurt by the PIL. �The allegation in the PIL which is made available in the public media has projected the Nagas in a very poor light,� the NSF said, adding that �it is an open secret that some vested interest elements have misled the so-called petitioner, one Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay, a purported BJP leader, with a sole intention to hurt the good image of the Nagas and to promote anti-Naga feelings outside Nagaland.�
The NSF added that it is disturbed by the accusation of racial discrimination levelled against the Nagas. �It is a fact that there is no perfect society, but in terms of receiving good treatment, the Naga society, in comparison to other societies, treats everyone with respect,� said the NSF.
Explaining its stand on the ILP issue, the apex Naga students� body, said: �One of the biggest challenges faced by the Nagas now is the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in addition to other illegal migrants, which is posing a major threat to maintenance of law and order, security of the country and the State and is also abnormally affecting the economy of the Nagas.� It added that �to control the illegal migrants in general, it is a long felt necessity for the State of Nagaland to impose ILP in Dimapur as well�.
Condemning the PIL filed by Upadhyay, the Western Chakhesang Hoho warned that it could lead to an unwanted situation. Reacting to the PIL, the working committee of the Naga National Political Groups has asked the State Government to respond appropriately.
The Naga People�s Front (NPF) said that it stands for the protection of the Naga people, their culture, tradition, customary practices, and the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. �Therefore, the NPF strongly demands Mr Ashwini to withdraw the PIL from the Court as Mr Ashwini should know that out of 29 States in India, Nagaland State is the only State to have been created out of political agreement, and hence a special provision was also inserted in the form of Article 371 (A),� an NPF statement said.
Reacting to the PIL, the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) appealed to all the citizens of Nagaland to �stand united and firm in our resolve to protect our rights, privileges and identity from any adversary and we assure the people of Nagaland that we will leave no stone unturned in our collective endeavour of protecting the rights of our people and ensure safety and peace in our State�.
