Aizawl, April 10 The influential student organization, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), in Mizoram, has called for stricter enforcement and tightening of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state, citing growing concerns over the increasing entry of non-locals without valid permits, a student leader said on Friday.
The demand was a central part of the resolutions passed during the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP)'s federal council meeting, the organization's highest decision-making body, held in Aizawl on Friday, according to MZP general secretary Lalhmingsanga Chhangte.
He said that the council unanimously resolved to push the state government for a more stringent and advanced ILP system to curb the illegal influx of non-tribal people from outside.
Addressing the council, MZP president C Lalremruata emphasized that protecting the ILP system is not just a policy issue but a collective responsibility, as it serves as a safeguard for the identity, security, and future of the indigenous people of Mizoram.
He said that the recent rise in the alleged unauthorized entry of outsiders (non-tribal) poses a serious challenge.
Lalremruata urged the MZP leaders across all branches to intensify ground-level monitoring and utilize the ILP system more effectively to ensure the state's security.
He emphasized the need for stricter monitoring, more effective implementation, and wider public awareness regarding the ILP mechanism.
The student leader also expressed concern regarding identity issues among 'Zofa' (ethnic Mizos) living in different parts of the country and the world.
"While the MZP remains committed to the unity of all Zofa and embraces all our sisters and brothers, it discourages superficial association or the use of the Mizo nomenclature solely for personal gain," he said.
Apart from ILP, the council also discussed a wide range of issues and adopted several resolutions urging the state government to take proactive measures to address the shortage of teachers and ensure rationalisation, to promote the Mizo code of ethics (Zo nun zemawi) in educational institutions, and to increase the number of Common University Entrance Test (CUET) centers in the state, among others, according to Chhangte.