Dimapur DC meets civil bodies as Assam intensifies eviction drives

DIMAPUR — As Assam government intensifies its drive against illegal immigrants, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Tinojongshi Chang, on Monday convened a meeting with civil society groups, police, and local bodies to address concerns over the influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs) into Nagaland.

The meeting, held in Dimapur, was attended by representatives from the police, East Dimapur Town Council, GB Union Dimapur (Sadar), Dimapur District GB Association, DCCI, DUCCF, DNSU, and village councils under Dimapur district.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the DC acknowledged Dimapur’s porous borders, making it difficult for the administration and police to monitor every entry point. Therefore, the cooperation of councils, gaon buras (GBs), and civil society organisations is essential.

The meeting, he said, was convened to gather feedback from the ground and identify areas where government efforts need to be strengthened. He added that several suggestions from participants would be forwarded to the government for consideration.

Responding to questions on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) guarantor system, Chang said the focus of the meeting was on IBIs, not ILP regulations. However, he explained that earlier, an individual could stand as guarantor for a maximum of 10 persons. But following multiple representations and discussions, including in the state Cabinet, the rule has been slightly modified.

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Now, registered institutions or firms may act as guarantors for their regular employees. For example, while schoolteachers could already apply under the existing category, there was no provision for Grade IV staff such as sweepers. With the revised rule, institutions or their administrators can now stand as guarantors for such staff.

On the issue of multiple entry routes, Chang said police personnel have been reinforced and round-the-clock checking is being carried out. Administrative officials, including Dobashis, are also conducting inspections.

However, he admitted that it is not possible for the administration and police to cover every location and stressed the importance of community support from village councils, colony councils, DUCCF, GBs and others. “This is not solely a government responsibility but a collective issue that concerns everyone,” he said.

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The DC noted that some colonies are already monitoring known entry routes, and, based on feedback, suggestions have been made to establish new check gates.

The administration, he said, will coordinate with the commissioner of police and request the government to consider these proposals.

Asked how many illegal immigrants have been caught and deported, the DC said there is no specific data at present. He referred to a recent incident at Burma Camp, widely circulated on social media, where some individuals were apprehended by local youths.

The police investigated the case, and those found without proper documents were sent back to where they had come from, he added.

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When asked whether a transit camp had been established in Nagaland for such cases, he said the Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed an IG-rank officer as the nodal officer in Assam. Coordination with this officer will be carried out whenever an IBI is apprehended.

He also informed that he had spoken with the deputy commissioner of Karbi Anglong and that both districts were working in coordination. If suspected individuals cross over from their side, the authorities here will be alerted, he said.

DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato, who also attended the meeting, urged colonies along the Assam border to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious individuals to police. He appealed to residents to inform the police immediately if any suspected individuals are seen entering their areas, while also cautioning against taking the law into their own hands.

Asked whether a law should be framed to penalise any Naga found sheltering IBIs, Zakiesato declined to comment, saying the situation is still new and developing. He acknowledged that the influx of IBIs is a serious concern and said eviction drives are currently underway.

He added that the Assam government must take full responsibility for the ongoing eviction drive and not pass the burden to the neighbouring state.