DIMAPUR — Asserting that the preservation of indigenous identity outweighs economic development, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has declared outright opposition to a new passenger train service proposed to connect Moirabari in Assam to Dimapur.

In a statement issued on Friday, the federation objected to the reported proposal submitted to the divisional railway manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway's Lumding Division by Laharighat MLA Dr. Asif Md. Nazar.

It questioned the rationale for a new passenger service when rail connectivity between Assam and Dimapur already exists.

According to the NSF, the proposal had raised serious concerns over its intent and the interests it sought to serve, particularly at a time when Nagaland and the wider Northeast were facing growing challenges related to undocumented immigration.

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Describing Dimapur as the state's principal gateway, the NSF cautioned that introducing additional direct rail corridors without adequate mechanisms for regulation, identity verification and monitoring could aggravate demographic and security concerns.

“The unique identity, land ownership rights, customs and traditions of the indigenous populace can only be protected when demographic integrity is preserved,” the statement read.

The federation called upon the Ministry of Railways, NFR, Nagaland government and other authorities concerned to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the demographic, security and socio-economic implications before considering the proposal.

It also demanded transparency on the basis of the proposal, including any studies conducted, stakeholders consulted and the public interest sought to be addressed.