Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 6
According to the Dimapur Urban Colony Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), the Nagaland state government should seriously consider involving the urban neighbourhood councils in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation in Dimapur. “We would wish that the (state) government implements the ILP hand in hand with the CSOs,” said the DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato at a press briefing on November 6, where, he, alongwith other DUCCF executives, highlighted other pressing urban issues plaguing Dimapur. The DUCCF claims to represent the voice 97 localities in the Dimapur municipal area, making up the 23 Wards of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
The implied argument was that the DUCCF as a grassroots urban organisation is well placed in assisting the government authorities in the ILP verification process. Conversely, the state government has asserted that village councils or any individual or civil society organisation has no authority to check the ILP. As per the prevailing government policy, only village councils have been handed the responsibility to assist the government authorities by way of maintaining a registry of ILP holders.
Zakiesato held that roping in the colony councils would only strengthen the process of verifying applications.
Vice President Wojamo Yanthan reiterated his president’s argument stating that the colony councils can keep track of visitors, who come and stay in the various localities. “We feel that if we involve the councils, it’ll be easier to identify and keep a track of migrants,” he said.
President Zakiesato further called for introducing certain changes in the verification process. Instead of the guarantor’s phone number as a criterion, the government should insist on producing the guarantor’s Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate in the application system.
As a watchdog, he asserted that the DUCCF is serious about the issue of immigrants settling in Dimapur, stating, “There must be zero tolerance. Whoever is detected should be deported to where they came from.”
Recently, on November 2, the DUCC issued a public statement with regard to the exercise conducted by the Assam government allegedly targetted at driving out illegal immigrants from the state.
Zakiesato reiterated the concerns the DUCCF raised in the statement connected to apprehension about displaced illegal immigrants escaping into Nagaland. “Our concern is the threat of displaced illegal immigrants entering Nagaland,” he said, while asking whether the Assam government had prepared relocation and rehabilitation measures.
He maintained that the DUCCF has no issues with the intent of the eviction exercise per se.
Vice President Vikheto Chisho highlighted concerns regarding the DMC’s role. While appreciating the efforts taken by the DMC in recent weeks, he said that municipal body should also look into easing parking woes, which is expected to worsen as the festive season draws nearer. He cited the road from the Clock Tower to the Dhobinullah junction as one which needs better parking management. He also made mention of the deplorable condition of the MP road.
He further demanded that the Urban Development Department start displaying sign boards featuring the details of contractors.
With regard to the utilisation of funds generated by the DMC, DUCCF President Zakiesato there should be transparency and accountability.
