10th NAP (IR) deployed in Ralan ahead of Assam eviction drive

DIMAPUR — As a pre-emptive measure to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants into Nagaland, a company of the 10th NAP (IR) battalion was deployed across Ralan area in Wokha district on Thursday.

The deployment of security forces comes in the backdrop of the proposed eviction drive by the Assam government in Golaghat district, scheduled to be carried out from July 28 to the 30th.

This was informed by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton during a coordination meeting with public leaders at Liphanyan in Wokha district and at Niuland town in Niuland district.

Patton, who also holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolio, stated that additional security personnel would be deployed in sensitive areas along the Assam-Nagaland border as and when required.

Stating that tackling illegal immigration is a national issue and not related to border dispute, he called upon the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) posted along the border to maintain neutrality in the efforts made by the respective state governments.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, identify persons with doubtful antecedents, and report to the authorities concerned for necessary action. However, he also advised against spreading misinformation that could stoke unrest.

On the demand for setting up a police outpost between Niuland and Ralan areas, Patton directed that a proposal be immediately submitted, assuring that the matter would be taken up in the Cabinet.

To safeguard the border, he further stressed the need to post village guards in Peren, Niuland, Wokha and Mokokchung districts.

Also read: Border districts in Nagaland step up vigilance amid fears of influx following Assam evictions

Nagaland Legislative Assembly member Achumbemo Kikon, who accompanied the deputy chief minister, attributed the unchecked presence of illegal immigrants in the border areas to political motivations.

He stated that there had been no dispute between the Ahoms and the Nagas in earlier times until the incursion of illegal immigrants in the region.

While expressing his inability to fathom what prompted the Assam government to undertake the eviction drive ‘after long years of slumber,’ Kikon said that everyone should support the initiative to deport illegal immigrants.

He drew an analogy with Tripura, where the indigenous population has become a minority in their own land.

Kikon also cautioned landowners, who have engaged such persons in their fields, against harbouring their kindred from across the border.

Also addressing a meeting in Liphanyan, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, affirmed that the government is serious about the border issue.

Kumar, who met his Golaghat counterpart on July 22, informed that both sides have agreed to jointly conduct the eviction drive in the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB).

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He assured that no Naga house would be touched during the eviction drive. To prevent evicted individuals from entering Nagaland, Kumar sought public support and coordination with the administration and police.

Superintendent of Police, Wokha, Rhovisie Nyuwi, informed that security deployment has been arranged and would be in place during the eviction drive. He added that no illegal immigrants would be allowed to enter Nagaland during this period.

Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, who also attended the meeting in Niuland town, described the issue of illegal immigrants as “our own creation” for harbouring them. He said the responsibility of deporting illegal immigrants should rest with every Naga.

He further assured full support from the police force in the collective endeavour.

Deputy Commissioner of Niuland, Sara S Jamir, along with officials from various departments, top police officers, and public and student leaders, attended both meetings.

Border security intensified, says Rio

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the state government had intensified patrolling and strengthened vigilance mechanisms along the Assam-Nagaland border to prevent illegal infiltration.

In a series of posts on X, Rio informed that he had convened a high-level meeting with the chief secretary, the director general of police, and other senior officials to review the situation.

He stated that Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton was personally monitoring developments on the ground, while district administrations and police in border areas were working in close coordination to check any illegal movement.

Read more: Organisations raise alarm over possible illegal immigrant influx into Nagaland

“The state govt. is committed to upholding the security of its citizens and maintaining peace and stability,” Rio posted, adding that all necessary measures were being taken and any unlawful activity would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

According to an update from the DIPR, the DGP has issued instructions to the commissioner of police, Dimapur; SPs; and commandants to hold coordination meetings with district administrations.

Officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations in border regions have been tasked with visiting all villages, holding meetings with village councils and elders, and reporting any new entrants to the police and district administration.

All SPs have also been instructed to submit daily reports to the additional director general of police (Law and Order), it stated.