How long will we tolerate them, their acts, their domination and their in-flow? How long??? The discussion and debate for the negativity of harbouring Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants(IBIs) have had enough by us. All the social sites like Facebook, WhatsApp etc. are trending with this topic but with zero action.
Taking advantage of our laziness and ignorance, those IBIs have started even to molest, harass and beat the locals fearlessly in open space. Not only domination of Economy but they are also on the verge of competing political race with the local candidates, sooner or later. It is a well known fact that if given a chance for involvement in an active politics, which they are doing under the wings of MINORITY WING, we will then have no guts to deport them because the political bosses will shelter them internally for their political gain and there will be no one to raise a voice against the bosses because Nagas are scared to speak against Elite people.
It is time, the right time for all the like minded Nagas to focus on the issue. We need strategy for long process/run and not only for now. People need deliberation to sweep those illegal immigrants immediately from our land. We should take break from all other issues and invest our time, energy and resources to solve the problem before it is too late. If we can’t free ourselves from them, there will be no meaning of us protecting our rights today.
Why do we take on Tripura or Bodoland or others when our own state is already burning? The recent developments in our state developed by IBIs where an Angami family was beaten up in Chumukedima, raising a green flag in Dimapur, rape of our sister in Pughoboto and I’m sure there will be many unreported news which are all alarming signals. But are we still going to remain silent and be observers of their actions and only condemn on social networks and press media and sell ourselves to the outsiders or to be truthful to the society for our generation and start working to save our land and our rights? The choice lies with you and me.
Today, they may have raised Green Flag with an excuse that it’s a part of their festival or so but tomorrow they may raise Black & White flag to revolt against us for speaking against them. Therefore, it is now or never, we must start acting rather than preaching. Remember, everyday their population is increasing drastically due to our selfishness, ego, ignorance and greediness.
All the shops are filled with non nagas, they are taxi drivers, auto rides mainly by non locals, Rickshaw is only being operated by them. So what is left for us now? Just imagine how many Taxis, Autos, Rickshaws and shops are available in Nagaland? Almost all are controlled by them.
Therefore, now it is time for us to be truthful for the sake of our land and generation. Let us answer the following points with utmost honesty.
1. To Government of Nagaland: What steps /measures the government has taken up to control the influx of IBIs in Nagaland? Are the laws of the land implemented strictly?
2. To District Administration: Do you feel satisfied to accept Rs. 50-200 from IBIs to issue the document which is indirectly selling off Nagaland? Where is your love and concern for our land? Can’t you see these IBIs raping, torturing, harassing your own brothers, sisters, fathers and relatives with the documents you have signed?
3. To Naga Politicians: What is your take?: Political Power or Naga Future? Today you might be sheltering the IBIs for your vote bank but do remember that you are watering the poisonous plant. You may feel satisfied for 5 years when you are in chair but you never know what beholds you after 5 years. If you are so unlucky and unfortunate then you might not only lose your chair but also your children’s future and rights. So make the best and wise decision before it is too late.
4. To NPGs: Tell the Nagas, how many IBIs are sheltering in your camp? How many IBIs are entrusted to collect the tax in the name of Naga Nationalism? What is the benefit of attaining sovereignty if we can’t protect our land from outsiders. Now, the real threat is from the illegal immigrants. So are you in a position to speak out against those IBIs and terminate all the services of IBIs that are in your faction?
5. To Students and other organizations: How far are you prepared to face this challenge? Or, only voicing against corruption is the agenda of your organization? What are you doing when the outsiders are invading our land? Didn’t we preach so much about Art. 371A? This is seriously a big shame on our part to preach and teach others about our legitimate rights when we can’t do anything for exploiting our land, economy and culture. So therefore, the need of the hour is to check the influx of IBIs in our respective jurisdiction. Let us take a break from politics and start working in the interest of general public which will have tremendous impact in our future because whatever we do today will be harvested by us tomorrow.
6. To Naga Parents/Couple: Why different yardstick for Naga children? If you can get a Naga child for domestic helpers/workers then why not for adoption? You keep Naga child as helpers whereas you adopt those Miyas as your child. This is really a confusion. Please stop adopting IBIs but rather adopt those Naga children you keep as helpers or workers in your home. This will make a big difference.
7. To Taxi/Auto/Rickshaw/shop owners: In a very simple way, we have many youths who can drive your taxis, autos, rickshaws and look after your shops. Teach and educate those local youths if they don’t behave like you wish, instead of complaints after complaints. Give locals a chance and SAY NO TO IBIs.
This sickness can’t heal in one go but it needs collective responsibility. So we need coordination and collaboration among us so that we win the war and eradicate this disease completely. The other Districts and Villages ought to learn from Mokokchung District and Jakhama village. It was AKM who first made a call to fight the outbreak of IBIs in their district and then followed by Jakhama Students union(JSU).
I strongly believe that we need to move together because IBIs are migrating within Nagaland even if they are chased out from one place. This has to start from grassroot level and the village students body should play a vital role. I would like to share how the Yachem Students’ Union, Longleng (YSU) handled this issue.
The YSU have strong standing rules for the Non Locals residing within its jurisdiction. The Union execute them very seriously yet sincerely. The rule came into being after thorough deliberation and keeping in mind the future of the younger generations. All the concerned and responsible citizens came forward and contributed intellectually for the cause. And having said that I feel that we can’t win the battle of IBIs until cooperation and coordination lead us because those immigrants have already dominated our economy and their population seems to increase rapidly day by day because of our insincerity and irresponsibility.
When we first started the operation to treat the diseases, to our surprise, except two out of more than 30 non locals residing at our village engaged in different occupation has proper documents. Some were even without papers and some couldn’t renew on time. So we have given them just two options: to renew or obtain proper documents or leave the village immediately. As a result of the resolution, now, the number in the village has decreased significantly.
If all the village or tribal organizations/unions pass such resolutions then it may somehow help us to control the rise of illegal immigrants in our land. It is now or never. Let’s take a call.
Nokchem Angth
Kohima
