Naga frontal organisations and student bodies express grave concern over potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state.
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DIMAPUR — Naga frontal organisations and student bodies have expressed grave concern over potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state due to the ongoing eviction drive of illegal immigrants in Assam state.
Ao Students’ Union Dimapur: The Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) stated that recent crimes in Dimapur involving undocumented individuals have fuelled concerns about public safety, economic stability, and demographic integrity due to unchecked illegal migration.
“The recent events in Assam also serve as a cautionary tale. An eviction drive targeting illegal settlers in reserve forest areas led to violent retaliation, resulting in clashes, injuries to police personnel, and even a fatality.
“What began as a lawful act of reclamation quickly escalated into a breakdown of order, demonstrating how deeply embedded and emboldened such illegal settlements can become if not addressed in time. Nagaland must not wait for a similar flashpoint,” the ASUD stated in a press release.
Also read: Nagaland: Railway security gaps cause worry amid immigration crackdown
Among others, the union demanded establishment of a centralised biometric ILP database to prevent permit forgery and ensure traceability of non-indigenous residents; permanent ILP and ID check posts at Dimapur’s major entry points especially at railway stations, bus terminals, and highway routes, supported by mobile biometric scanners and surveillance; and strict accountability framework for guarantors of non-ILP holders to discourage fake endorsements and incentivise due diligence among locals.
Additionally, the ASUD called for comprehensive tenancy and landholding audits in foothill areas to curb land grabbing; district-level screening committees with student bodies, tribal councils, and gaonburas to identify overstays and fake ILPs; and legal framework for deportation under existing acts and consideration of Assam's Immigrants Act for Nagaland.
Kohima Village Youth Organisation: The Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) noted that the recent incident in Niuland, where over 300 suspected illegal immigrants were intercepted and turned away by local authorities and volunteers, highlights the urgency of the matter.
“It is apprehended that similar attempts may be made to infiltrate and settle within Kohima and its surrounding areas. In this regard, the KVYO calls upon all citizens, especially residents under Kohima village jurisdiction, to remain alert and vigilant,” the KVYO stated in a press release.
“The KVYO issues a strong warning to any individual or group found sheltering illegal immigrants within the Kohima village area. Any house owner or landlord providing accommodation to such individuals will face strict social sanctions with traditional customary practices.”
Further, it urged all residents to report any suspicious movement or gathering of unknown individuals to the district administration or KVYO officials without delay.
Southern Angami Public Organisation: The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has issued a public advisory urging its citizens to exercise “extreme vigilance” on illegal immigrants in the region.
In a a press release, the SAPO advised citizens to exercise heightened caution, particularly in vulnerable areas such as village construction sites and weekly markets near Kohima.
The organisation also urged farm owners in Medziphema, Chümoukedima, and Dimapur to warn their caretakers and workers against sheltering or aiding illegal immigrants.
The SAPO stressed on the need for unity and cooperation to fortify the safety and security of the citizens strictly adhering to state government directives and civil society.
Meanwhile, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillor of Ward 9, Lanutoshi SYaden, urged all colony councils and residents under Ward 9 to remain alert and vigilant.
“If any suspicious or unfamiliar individuals or groups are noticed settling without proper verification, please report immediately to the Office of the Ward Councillor or the nearest police station. This is not a call for fear or discrimination, but rather a preventive and safeguarding measure to maintain law and order, and to avoid any future complications,” Yaden stated in a press release.